Portugal v Netherlands - Preview

Dutch confident of breaking Portugal jinx

The Netherlands are confident they can break a 15-year hex and avenge their Euro 2004 semi-final defeat by sending Portugal crashing out of the World Cup on Sunday.

The Dutch have not beaten Portugal since 1991 but Marco van Basten's remodelled team believes destiny is on their side ahead of the second-round clash.

"Portugal beat us two years ago, but the next game is something completely different. This is a new, young team, and we have new ideas," said Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Two years ago, goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Maniche broke Dutch hearts on a frenetic night in Lisbon. Previously, Portugal wrecked the Netherlands' 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign with an away win and home draw.

Midfielder Phillip Cocu admits to still feeling the "trauma" of the Lisbon semi-final but says the new-look team must draw a line under the past.

"Now, up against Portugal, we have to forget about the trauma of Euro 2004," he said.

"Don't look at the past, but only think about playing a good match."

The Netherlands will be under no illusions about the size of the task, with World Cup-winning coach Scolari masterminding a Portuguese record of 17 matches unbeaten.

But despite Portugal's quality, and Scolari's unmatched World Cup pedigree, Van Basten remains quietly confident.

"Now we're up against Portugal. We know they're excellent but we're also not bad," said the Dutchman.

"Preparations will not change. If we're lucky, we've got four finals to go, matches where you can make no errors because you cannot go back on them.

"We'll have to play on the basis of sound organisation and the implementation of everything we've done in previous games."

Van Basten can turn to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Chelsea flyer Arjen Robben, who were rested for the Netherlands' clash with Argentina.

The former Dutch great also looks set to ditch van Nistelrooy and replace him with Feyenoord marksman Dirk Kuyt after some lacklustre performances by the Manchester United man.

"Ruud has not been good. He hasn't been on form in the first matches," van Basten said. "He has to give us a lot more."

Scolari meanwhile goes into the game on a record 10-match World Cup winning streak, including seven as he led his native Brazil to the title in 2002.

Wins against Angola, Iran and Mexico saw Portugal through Group D with maximum points and minimum fuss, with the Brazilian even able to rest five first-team players for the final match.

Lisbon scorers Ronaldo and Maniche were both on target in the first round as Portugal reached the knock-out stages for the first time since 1966.

Portugal remain outsiders for the title but they will be happy with their second-round draw.

"It's only the second time Portugal has qualified for the second round in 40 years but we have to look at it game by game," Scolari said.

"All the teams are very balanced and very even, they're in good condition. There are five or six teams which I believe are the best, they might be playing very well but one day they can have an off-day and be eliminated."

Portugal will welcome back Ronaldo, Deco, Pauleta and Nuno Valente, who were all stood down against Mexico as a precaution against them getting a second yellow card.