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Can't be too careful
Playing for draw with Mexico too risky for Dutch
Posted: Wednesday June 24, 1998 06:24 PM
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Luis Hernandez and Mexico will have to play for a win because a draw may not get it through to the second round (AP) |
SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) --
For the Dutch, a draw will do. For Mexico, only a
win will guarantee qualification for the second round.
So the Netherlands
, which can't afford to lose its last Group E match Thursday, is taking no
chances.
"We are not going to try to play calculated football. It's too
dangerous," said coach Guus Hiddink. "We will just play our game and try to
control the Mexicans."
The two teams met earlier this year in a World Cup warmup in Miami,
when the Netherlands won 3-2.
Hiddink is expecting a tough match in Saint-Etienne.
"If you look at their team, they have a lot of experience and a number
of very skilled players," Hiddink said.
Mexico could qualify with a draw, but not if Belgium beats
South
Korea by three goals or more. If Belgium wins and Mexico beats the
Netherlands, the Dutch are out.
After a frustrating scoreless draw with low countries neighbor Belgium
in its World Cup opener, the Netherlands got into its stride against the
outclassed South Koreans, firing in five unanswered goals last
Saturday.
Mexico began its campaign with a 3-1 win over South Korea, a match
Mexico only got a grip on after the Koreans were reduced to 10 men
following the sending off of goalscorer Ha Seok-ju for a tackle from
behind.
Mexico had to come from behind again against Belgium, losing two goals
before regrouping to fight out a 2-2 draw in which both teams had a player
sent off.
Mexican defender Pavel Pardo was given the red card for a tackle from
behind in the 29th minute and will miss Thursday's encounter.
The Netherlands is still without striker Patrick Kluivert, suspended
for two matches after elbowing Belgium's Lorenzo Staelens. But Phillip Cocu
filled Kluivert's boots with style against Korea, scoring the match's
opening goal. Hiddink is unlikely to announce any major changes to the team
that thrashed South Korea.
Spirits and confidence are high in the Dutch camp following the
destruction of South Korea, and although the Dutch are one of the serious
title contenders, Hiddink knows Mexico cannot be underestimated.
"We must be very sharp and careful at the beginning of the game," he
cautioned his players.
He particularly pointed out Luis Hernandez, who scored twice in
Mexico's opening match against South Korea.
"He's hot," Hiddink said.
But Hernandez has not recovered from a swollen ankle and may miss the
match.
Hernandez has not been training with the rest of the team, but Tuesday
he told reporters that he is ready to play if Mexico coach Manuel Lapuente
wants him and the team's medical staff gives the green light.
If Hernandez can't play, Lapuente said he would start with Ricardo
Pelaez.
"Holland is indeed one of the favorites in this tournament but you
will see a very good match because we are ready to go for victory,"
Lapuente said. "Do not expect us to go seeking a draw."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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