Jul 8 2010
Nigel de Jong Poised to Return and Play a Crucial Role in Final for Netherlands
by John Percy
Filed under: Manchester City, Brazil, Netherlands, Spain, Uruguay, USA, World Cup 2010
While the rest of the Netherlands team celebrated with unbridled joy after their World Cup semi-final win, the overriding emotion in Cape Town for Nigel de Jong was undoubtedly one of relief.
The Manchester City midfielder could have been employed as an official Oranje cheerleader by Bert van Marwijk, such was his desperation to earn a reprieve in South Africa.
De Jong feared his burning ambition to play a major role in the Netherlands’ World Cup mission had been wrecked when he earned a needless yellow card against Brazil – his second of the tournament – ruling him out of the semi-final against the Uruguayans.
It was a potentially crushing blow, considering that he had heeded van Marwijk’s warning to clean up his act before the tournament.
He has retained his physical approach but managed to cut out the frequent reckless tackles, with one particularly crude one incurring the wrath of his manager in the friendly against the United States in March.
There has been no repeat of the x-rated challenge that left Stuart Holden with a fractured leg but, still, the caution against Brazil was another lesson for the 25-year-old hardman.
However, the victory over Brazil means De Jong will be in contention for the final in Johannesburg – and how van Marwijk will need him.
David Villa may be on a personal crusade to clinch the Golden Boot but there is little doubt that Spain’s midfield represent the biggest threat to the Netherlands winning that elusive first title.
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