SALVADOR (SportingAlert) — Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder both shake off knocks to start for the Netherlands in their World Cup quarter-finals clash with Costa Rica here at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador on Saturday.
Watch and Listen live streaming on- Kick-off at 4pm ET: ESPN, Univision, TalkSport Radio, ESPN3.com and UnivisionDeportes.com, ITV, STV, UTV and WatchESPN. Live TV Channels and More Here | Live World Cup Scores Updates | World Cup Quarter-Finals Full Schedule Here |
Van Persie had been bothered by a muscle problem he picked up in training this week and was doubtful for the game. The Manchester United forward, however, has been cleared to continue leading the attack.
Midfielder Sneijder, who scored the equalizing goal against Mexico in the 2-1 win, has been nursing a slight back strain, but he too has come through a fitness test to start this evening.
Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt continues to play a defensive role for Holland, with Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi, who returns to the team, also starting as well, as head coach Louis van Gaal making two changes to his Netherlands side which started against Mexico.
Memphis Depay also comes into the starting lineup, with Nigel de Jong out injured and Paul Verhaegh on the bench.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, make one change from the side that started against Greece in the round of 16, with Johnny Acosta replacing Oscar Duarte, who is out because of suspension.
