The Netherlands and Portugal will both be gunning for a win on Sunday, with the Oranje needing a victory for sure and Portugal potentially needing a win, but possibly just needing a draw. The Netherlands have withdrawn both Mark van Bommel and Ibrahim Afellay and replaced them with an attacking midfielder and a striker, respectably, in a very aggressive move. Portugal's lineup is even more interesting, with Miguel Veloso dropped for Silvestre Varela. This likely moves Cristiano Ronaldo off of the left wing and into a free role. Initial reports of a more attacking Portugal lineup were false, and they're unchanged.
Portugal Vs. Netherlands, Euro 2012: Lineups
Portugal Lineup (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Fabio Coentrao, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Joao Pereira; Miguel Veloso, Raul Miereles, Joao Moutinho; Cristiano Ronaldo, Helder Postiga, Nani
Netherlands Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maarten Stekelenberg; Jetro Willems, Ron Vlaar, Joris Mathijsen, Gregory Van der Wiel; Nigel de Jong, Rafael Van der Vaart; Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie; Klass-Jan Huntelaar
Kickoff is at 2:45 p.m. ET from Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv. You can catch the game on ESPN in the United States.
We’ll have live coverage of both of Saturday’s games simultaneously in our Euro 2012, Group B Finale StoryStream. For more on Euro 2012 and the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.
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