Netherlands v Costa Rica team news: Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie both start but Nigel de Jong missing for Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal has brought in super-sub Memphis Depay into the starting XI while Costa Rica name an unchanged line-up.

Staff
Saturday 05 July 2014 22:23 BST
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Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben lead the line for the Netherlands
Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben lead the line for the Netherlands

Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie both start for Holland in their World Cup quarter-final clash against Costa Rica, but Nigel de Jong misses out through injury.

Robben and van Persie both currently have three goals apiece and it will be up to the stern Costa Rica defence, who have conceded only twice in the whole tournament, to stop them.

Louis van Gaal is expected to line up with his favoured 3-5-2 formation, with Dirk Kuyt being used as a full-back with the ever-impressive Daley Blind on the left. Georginio Wijnaldum comes in for his first start of the tournament to replace de Jong, who was injured in the 2-1 win over Mexico.

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has a clean bill of health in his squad and will be relying on his key duo Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz to deliver the goods as the Latin American nation prepare for the biggest match in their nation's history.

The winner will face Argentina in the semi-finals after Gonzalo Higuain's stunning volley secured a 1-0 win over Belgium.

Netherlands: Cillessen; Kuyt, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind; Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Depay; Robben, Van Persie (c)

Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana; Diaz, Borges, Bolanos; Tejeda, Campbell, Ruiz (c)

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