"Winning group important to stay at sealevel"
23 June 2010
The Dutch national football team
would do well to finish in the group. That would mean
that Holland will stay at seas level for the next three
possible games.
"I personally think that's
better," says Robin van Persie.
"In the game against Japan
in Durban I felt fitter than I did in the first game
against the Danes in Johannesburg," the Arsenal
striker says.
"My gut feeling says I'd rather
travel and stay at seas level. Flying is not a problem,
it doesn't take any energy. With Arsenal we fly to our
away games at Manchester, Liverpool and everything north
of that."
When Holland finish first in the
group they will see the path to the final leads past
three stadiums on sea level. The final itself is in
Johannesburg, at an altitude of 1.750 meters.
When Van Marwijk's team finish
second in the group the road to the final will lead
via Pretoria and Johannesburg - both inland and at great
altitude - but the semifinal will then be played in
Durban.
When Holland finish first in the
group it looks as though Italy will be the opponents
in the round of 16. Paraguay look set to win Group F.
|
