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Bosvelt could snuff Nedved threat

Dutch midfield enforcer Paul Bosvelt may start against the Czech Republic to counter the threat of playmaker Pavel Nedved.

Bosvelt tipped
Advocaat is thought to be favouring Bosvelt over midfield playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who performed well against Germany after coming on as a substitute in Tuesday's 1-1 draw, because of reservations over the 20-year-old's defensive ability.

Sneijder frailty
Sneijder started on the bench against Germany because the coach did not want to risk him against creative midfield player Michael Ballack, and Nedved presents a similar threat. "Sneijder did a good job but to start a match is different. We had our doubts about starting him against Ballack, and decided against it," Advocaat said.

Attacking revamp
Advocaat may also sharpen his attack by pairing Patrick Kluivert with Ruud van Nistelrooij, after the coach voiced his dissatisfaction with his team's performance going forward against the Germans. Van Nistelrooij scored a late equaliser nine minutes from time at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto after the Dutch attack had spent most of the match misfiring against a well-organised German defence.

'Lacked flair'
Wingers Marc Overmars and Arjen Robben, who have recently recovered from injuries, are not deemed fit enough to play a full 90 minutes. "I have heard Robben say he is fit enough to play, but in training we still see a lack of sharpness. It also seemed that some players lost their natural flair once the [Germany] match started. I think it is a mental problem," Advocaat added.

Injury doubts
Centre-back Wilfred Bouma is struggling with a slight muscle strain and striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has a back problem. Michael Reiziger could replace John Heitinga at right-back and Clarence Seedorf will challenge Rafael van der Vaart for the chance to play behind the front two.

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