Promising pair await Dutch destiny

Maarten Stekelenburg and Demy de Zeeuw could both be given the chance to shine over the next few days as the Netherlands look to build on their position atop UEFA EURO 2008™ Group G in back-to-back qualifiers against Romania and Slovenia.

Van der Sar absence
While coach Marco van Basten has not revealed his lineup for Saturday's big game against Romania in Rotterdam, AFC Ajax goalkeeper Stekelenburg is likely to add to his four national-team appearances to date. No1 Edwin van der Sar is ruled out with a calf injury and while veteran Feyenoord custodian Henk Timmer is an option, Van Basten has chosen to select the younger man, Stekelenburg.

Russia friendly
The 24-year-old gave a good account of himself in the Netherlands' 4-1 friendly victory against Russia in Amsterdam on 7 February, and his coach liked what he saw. "The decision is made," Van Basten said. "Maarten played the whole match against Russia and did a good job." Another man catching the eye of late is De Zeeuw. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has played a big part in AZ Alkmaar's progress to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals and could yet cap an excellent spell of form with his Oranje debut.

De Zeeuw chance
"We have always seen him as a good player, and he has shown that emphatically with AZ in domestic and European matches in recent weeks," said Van Basten, who concedes that whoever plays, his side face a difficult week. "We want to win, especially against Romania on Saturday, but also on Wednesday in Slovenia, although we realise it will be a very tough job." The Netherlands lead Group G from Bulgaria, with a three-point advantage over third-placed Romania albeit having played a game more.