Netherlands teammate Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder are under limelight because of news that broke out regarding the rift between them, although Sneijder has dismissed it.
When the Arsenal striker was substituted against Slovakia, he told Coach Bert van Marwijk that it should have been the Inter Milan midfielder making way and this is believed to have complicated the relationship and was further strained between Sneijder and Van Persie.
At Van Marwijk, Van Persie did indulge in an angry outburst but subsequently claimed he said “nothing bad to the coach, nothing that could harm the squad.”
Ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final meeting with Brazil, it is a version of events that Sneijder has accepted, and the playmaker has attempted to paint a picture of harmony in a Dutch side that has form for disagreements at major tournaments.
“Robin assured me that he had not said those words and I have no reason to doubt him, I don’t have a problem with him and I never have done. He was disappointed to come off, that one can understand and it really is not a serious matter. We will be united as never before against Brazil. We have already drawn a line under the last 16 match and we will be 120% raring to go against Brazil “, said Sneijder.
When defeating Slovakia 2-1 in the second round, Netherlands were somewhat unimpressive and Van Persie’s rant at Van Marwijk put the side under further scrutiny. The coach called Van Persie and Sneijder in for clear-the-air talk and he suggests that tension in the camp should be dropped.
“The meeting was to draw a line under the story and so we could now focus on the Brazil match. Robin played well against Slovakia, and was involved in the first goal. I was satisfied with his contribution but I needed to send on a fresh player who could continue to harry our opponents”, said Van Marwijk.
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