Portugal aim to end Dutch dreams again

NUREMBERG, June 24: The Netherlands come face to face with their Euro 2004 nemesis when they take on Portugal in the World Cup second round today.

The Dutch have not lost a competitive match since a 2-1 defeat to the hosts of the European championship two years ago.

Portugal, led by Brazilan World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, have won all three group games as they reached the World Cup second round for the first time since 1966.

They also have an impressive record against the Dutch, losing only once in their previous nine meetings.

Portugal's midfielder Maniche shrugged off past performances, arguing: ''The statistics tell you nothing.'' ''It will be good if we can add to these victories against the Dutch...(but) this is a totally different game. It is going to be very difficult. Holland have excellent players, but so do we,'' he said.

Neither team has arguably been tested to the full in the tournament so far.

Portugal faced an unfancied Iran and World Cup debutants Angola in Group D, needing only to turn up against Mexico to book their spot in the last 16.

The toughest challenge for the Dutch was against favourites Argentina in their final Group C game, but by then they too were already in the second round after wins against the Ivory Coast and Serbia&Montenegro.

Portugal will be back to their usual lineup, bringing back big names such as Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pauleta after Scolari decided to play safe and leave them out against Mexico.

Defender Paulo Ferreira, who could face the formidable Arjen Robben, his Chelsea team mate, said there were no favourites.

''The Dutch team is strong but we are too. We will try to do whatever we can to make it to the next round,'' he said.

The Dutch have a great World Cup tradition, having reached the final in 1974 and 1978. But some are questioning whether coach Marco van Basten's young team are good enough to match those feats.

Van Basten is contemplating leaving out below-par striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

''The central position up front is a point of discussion and the chance that Dirk (Kuijt) will start on Sunday has increased,'' Van Basten told reporters.

He has also had his team practicising penalties, hoping to end a series of shoot-out defeats in major tournaments.

REUTERS