Dutch left wingless after Robben injury while Robin remains doubtful starter

Only a week ago, the Dutch arrived brimming with optimism and as good as a fully fit team. After four years at the helm, Van Basten was finally convinced his team had the right balance and experience to cap his coaching stint with an excellent championship.

Struggling to fit in

Instead, he is in charge of a duct tape operation, trying to find a workable system on the eve of the biggest game in two years. When Ryan Babel injured his ankle late last month, nobody thought much of it. He was supposed to be a substitute anyhow on a team already rich in creative players. Now, Robben’s groin injury sheds a different light on this.

“First of all it’s very disappointing for Arjen. However, it’s also a pity for the team, especially as we lost Ryan Babel, also a left winger,” Van Basten said.

The Dutch play France on Friday, the 13th, and end their Group C campaign against Romania, which already beat them in the qualifying round.

Robben had been the team’s best player in the preparation campaign, running deep, setting up goals and scoring one, too. To make up for the loss, Van Basten has two likely options.

He may shuffle the lineup to give a starting role for Dirk Kuyt, the Liverpool forward who makes up in industriousness what he lacks in flash. Or he could enter 21-year-old Ibrahim Afellay of PSV Eindhoven as a more straightforward replacement.

On top of his offensive woes, Van Basten also has worries about the defense. Without outstanding defenders in top clubs, he has to find a way to keep the towering Luca Toni away from Edwin van der Sar’s goal.

Meanwhile, Italy too have their injury worries, with skipper and star defender Fabio Cannavaro ruled out of the competition with an ankle injury.