Boulahrouz set to start against Portugal

TITISEE, Germany, June 23 (Reuters) Khalid Boulahrouz is expected to start as right back when the Netherlands face Portugal in the World Cup second round on Sunday, coach Marco van Basten said today.

Boulahrouz came on during the match against Ivory Coast to replace the injured John Heitinga and also started against Argentina in central defence last Wednesday.

The 24-year-old did well in both positions and that seemed certain to earn him a spot in the starting lineup in Nuremberg.

''There is a big chance that Boulahrouz will start against Portugal,'' Van Basten told reporters.

The Dutch defence is the one part of the team Van Basten does not have to worry about as they have conceded only four goals during an unbeaten run of 15 competitive matches.

Van Basten also believes that his midfield should take much of the credit for the defensive record, shielding that part of the team from criticism in the Dutch media.

''My midfield made a good impression,'' the coach told reporters, ''the strength of the defence has also to do with the support they get from the midfielders.'' The Dutch media has questioned the contribution of the midfield trio, saying the team relies too heavily on wingers Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to create chances.

The Dutch have not lost a competitive match since their defeat against Portugal in the semi-finals of Euro 2004.

REUTERS DH KP1943