Skip to main content

Dutch midfielder Van der Vaart out of World Cup

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) Veteran Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart will miss the World Cup after injuring a calf muscle in his right leg.

The Dutch soccer association said Wednesday the injury means coach Louis van Gaal will not include the country's most experienced player in his squad for Brazil.

The Hamburg star with 109 international appearances is the second important midfielder to drop out of Louis van Gaal's squad after Kevin Strootman suffered a season-ending knee injury in March.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.