Bart Verbruggen
BrightonGK
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Aug 18, 2002 (23)
Right
6'4"
146 lb
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Starting against Japan
Verbruggen (hip) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Japan.
Analysis: Verbruggen was back in training this week, so it is no surprise to see the goalie starting in net Sunday. This is a major return for the club as they gain back a major part of their defense, although they do have some quality keepers behind him. He will look to have a solid game in net in a match that could decide the Group F winner, as he has proven to be quality this season, providing 10 clean sheets in 38 appearances with Brighton during the league campaign.
Trains in full, set to start
Verbruggen (hip) returned to full team training on Friday, confirming his availability for the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman confirmed Verbruggen's status, saying "he trained fully today and yesterday and can play", Jeroen Kapteijns of De Telegraaf reports.
Analysis: Verbruggen had been day-to-day after bruising his hip during a friendly, raising genuine doubts over his ability to feature from the start. His return to collective sessions puts those concerns firmly to rest, with the Brighton goalkeeper expected to start when the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign as he remains the No. 1 goalie in front of Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs.
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