The Hindu : Sport / Football : Mark van Bommel ready to keep Diego Forlan at bay

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Mark van Bommel ready to keep Diego Forlan at bay

Mark van Bommel vs. Diego Forlan: The shackling job that van Bommel managed to pull off on Kaka in the Netherlands' quarterfinal encounter against Brazil, especially in the second half, was largely instrumental in keeping the South Americans at bay.

This time though, van Bommel might be up against Diego Forlan, who has grown into his role as a withdrawn striker, with three strikes coming in the wake of his taking up a more retreated position on the pitch.

Edinson Cavani or Sebastian Abreu will be looking to feed off Forlan and van Bommel's brief will be a dual one, in trying to cut off Uruguay's advanced strikers from the action and also in subduing Forlan.

Arjen Robben vs. Alvaro Pereira: What a time for a left back to get suspended. In Jorge Fucile's absence, Alvaro Pereira, or one of the central defenders if Oscar Tabarez so desires, will be given the missive of trying to restrain Robben.

The Flying Dutchman ran rings around the Brazilian defence, resulting in the frustrated Felipe Melo being sent off for a stamp on the winger.

The task of nullifying Robben's threat might become well nigh impossible as the best that Tabarez can field in that area of the pitch will be a make shift arrangement.

Pereira will offer in pace what he lacks in positional discipline (being a midfielder who oscillates between the two roles) while Egido Arevalo will be required to keep a tab on Robben's runs as well.

Dirk Kuyt vs. Maximiliano Pereira: The unassuming Kuyt has already sneaked in a goal and a couple of assists this tournament and on the left, adds a defensive element to the Netherlands' play as he unfailingly tracks back.

An interesting extension of Kuyt's battle against Maicon in the quarterfinals will play itself out in the semifinals when the Dutchman lines up against Pereira.

Maicon's lung-bursting runs kept Kuyt engaged all match and only when the latter drifted to a more central role in the second half did he find himself in a position to influence proceedings.

Pereira is not a dissimilar player to Maicon (though not as skilled as the Brazilian) and in going forward will attempt to provide Uruguay with the width that it sometimes lacks.

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