World Cup: Cahill the big threat, say Dutch
The Netherlands have put a bounty on the head of Australian marksman Tim Cahill in their looming World Cup fixture.
Cahill’s heading ability has been identified by Holland as their major threat in the clash in Porto Alegre on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Cahill’s headed goal in Australia’s 1-3 loss against Chile in Cuiaba last Friday rang alarm bells in the Dutch camp, midfielder Nigel de Jong says.
“He’s a terrific player that always gives his heart and his all on the pitch, for his country or his club,” de Jong told reporters in Porto Alegre on Monday.
“We have to be careful because the timing to the ball with his headers is one of the best. He is one of the best timers I have seen from all the players around the world.
“So we have to take care of that very well. We have to take this game very serious.”
The Dutch torched Spain 5-1 in their tournament opener but star striker Robin van Persie cautioned against a let-down against the unfancied Australians.
Van Persie was wary of heightened Dutch expectations after their stunning of Spain.
“After such a performance, the dynamics have naturally changed,” he said on Monday.
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“However, as a country, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.
“We have to stay realistic. We achieved an impressive result but we have a long way to go to win this tournament.
“This is my fifth (major) tournament and I know how these things work. The euphoria vanishes just as quickly as it appears.”
A Dutch win against the Socceroos will leave them poised to top the group – a prized position, given the group runners-up could face host nation Brazil in the second round.
