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Soccer: World Cup Group One Preview

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  • Soccer: World Cup Group One Preview

    Goal, UK
    Soccer Age, Italy
    June 4 2005

    World Cup Group One Preview

    6/4/2005 4:34:00 AM

    The Netherlands and the Czech Republic have the chance to pull clear
    of the rest of Group One on Saturday as Marco van Basten's side host
    third placed Romania and the Czech's entertain group minnows Andorra.

    Netherlands currently sit one point ahead of the Czechs, while Romania
    are a further two points adrift and so really can't afford to lose
    to the group leaders when they meet in Amsterdam.

    Two months ago Romania were shocked by a 2-0 home defeat to van
    Basten's troops, but will be encouraged by a string of absentees
    from the home side. Experienced midfielder Phillip Cocu suffered an
    injury in PSV's Cup final win and was forced to withdraw from the
    squad, while team-mates Wilfred Bouma and Ooijer will also miss out.
    Giovanni van Bronckhorst was another absentee, while Mark van Bommel
    and Rafael van der Vaart are doubtful.

    Romania included Juventus striker Adrian Mutu in their squad, but
    he may not start due to being far from match fit having only just
    completed his eight month ban for taking cocaine.

    The three points should be a mere formality for the Czech Republic
    when they host Andorra, who are bottom of the table with four points
    to their name. The home team, who won 4-0 away to Andorra earlier
    in the campaign, are almost at full strength, although Jiri Jarosik
    misses out.

    The two teams above them, Armenia and Macedonia, meet in the final
    game on Saturday.

    On Wednesday the Czech Republic have another home tie, against
    Macedonia, while Netherlands must travel to fourth place Finland.
    Romania will be expecting victory when they entertain Armenia.
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