Team News and Injury Updates
Some early team news: Frenkie de Jong is a doubt for the Netherlands after colliding with Quinten Timber, who came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Japan in Texas. Timber is definitely out with a mild concussion.
Ronald Koeman expressed his concerns regarding the injuries, as these quotes suggest:
“There was a collision which caused a light concussion, so Quinten will not play this match. After this match, he might be ready.
“But Frenkie also had minor complaints about his physical condition... let’s see how he will be tomorrow.
Koeman would only De Jong’s injury was “below his abdomen … Quinten tripped and this caused an injury for Frenkie. I have already explained quite a lot about his injury.”
Atmosphere and Local Observations
So, what’s it actually like out there? Hear from our writers, in alphabetical order.
“The mid-west charm in Kansas City is a reminder that the US is more than what you see on the news. The extreme weather’s tough, though. Last Saturday brought heat and high levels of humidity in the afternoon, then tornado warnings in the evening. It’s quite hard not to eat meat here. It feels like chicken is the vegetarian option. Are people interested in the football? It’s mixed. The USMNT’s opening game was on in our hotel lobby. A group of Americans were watching baseball on another TV and occasionally came over to check the score. But then I’ve just met a Chelsea fan during the Mexico v South Korea game. He knew his football.”
— Jacob Steinberg
Have a read of Football Daily. Turkey out, if not the first team out. That was Haiti. Still, I fancy Turkey to do well one day.
Match Preview and Context
Last time out, the team’s opening matches.
Houston, we have an all-European tie to consider. This is a tough group, and Sweden’s opening show against Tunisia was impressive. The Dutch team fought out a high-quality draw with Japan. The magic four points is within reach for both, particularly with Tunisia to face in the last group game for the Dutch.
Sweden’s win got Tunisia’s coach sacked, and if Ronald Koeman is safe, a defeat here will cause him considerable trouble. Sweden have found a formula in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres worked wonders while Yasin Ayari was superb.
The Dutch were denied by Daichi Kamada at the conclusion of a 2-2 draw where they, typically, started slowly. The three-times losing finalists against the one-time losing finalist (1974, 1978 and 2010 v 1958) is a meeting of heritage, a heavyweight clash.
Kick-off is 6pm UK/1pm Central/3am AEST. Join me.
