subject: Oranje and Blue Samurai lock horns in Durban (Holland vs japan) [print this page] Oranje and Blue Samurai lock horns in Durban (Holland vs japan)
The former Ajax captain moved to the Bernabeu over a year ago and had a moderately successful first season despite his side's failure to win a trophy as Barcelona collected an historic treble.
Holland vs Denmark
19t of June, Time 13:30 GMT
Durban, South Africa
WHAT AT STAKE: However, Van der Vaart's prospects of a regular first-team place have dwindled drastically over the summer as president Florentino Perez brought in the likes of Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Esteban Granero.
Rather than seek a transfer to a side which could offer him more playing time, Van der Vaart opted to remain in the Spanish capital.
And ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Japan in Enschede, Van Marwijk - whose side are the only European team to qualify for the 2010 finals so far - fears Van der Vaart has left himself with an uphill struggle to nail down a national team place.
Holland Team News:
"Though Rafael has had signs he will play, nothing is guaranteed after what went on in pre-season. He's made his choice, but will he even play in his favoured position? At Madrid he is just one more player."
Van Marwijk will be without PSV Eindhoven playmaker Ibrahim Afellay, who was replaced by Liverpool winger Ryan Babel earlier this week.
Japan Team News:
Takayuki Morimoto will miss the chance to finally make his Japan debut after a thigh injury forced him out of the squad to face Holland and Ghana.
Holland have been tipped by many to go all the way in South Africa this summer, and produced an accomplished display to see off the Danes 2-0.
