Kuyt and van persie central to Holland's hopes of glory
The Dutch take on Uruguay in Cape Town tonight looking to recreate the 1970s glory era, with coach Bert van Marwijk placing his trust in Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie.
Neither man enjoyed the best of domestic seasons and van Persie has not always cut a contented figure in South Africa amid rumours of a sour relationship with Wesley Sneijder.
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Hide AdBut van Marwijk is happy to have the duo on board for a journey that took such an unexpected twist with a fabulous come-from-behind quarter-final win over Brazil.
"I read somewhere that when Rafael Benitez picked a team at Liverpool, he wrote Kuyt's name down first. That says everything," van Marwijk said.
"Every player has a period where things don't work out and Liverpool had a very tough year, but Kuyt is extremely important for us.
"The way he plays shows his passion and enthusiasm, and it is catching."
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Hide AdVan Persie was out of action for five months after suffering a major ankle injury on international duty last November. It has taken the Arsenal forward a bit of time to find his form, with just one goal so far, but van Marwijk believes the 26-year-old remains a major influence.
"Robin is extremely talented," he said. "He is one of the best football players on this planet.
"He was injured for a very long time and you do need a certain rhythm.
"Sometimes it comes just like that, sometimes it takes a bit longer.
"But he was better in the last match than the one before. Players with so much talent can suddenly decide a game. I always believe in him and still do."