 Van Nistelrooy has scored one goal in three games |
Ruud van Nistelrooy may be left out of the starting line-up for Holland's second-round World Cup match against Portugal on Sunday. The 29-year-old started the event as the first-choice striker but has scored only one goal so far and was taken off in all three Group C matches.
"The central position up front is a point of discussion," said Holland coach Marco van Basten.
"The chance that Dirk Kuijt will start on Sunday has increased."
Starting on the bench could be a crushing blow for Van Nistelrooy, who has also been under fire at his club side Manchester United.
 | Ruud will understand that if you play well you will not be substituted Holland coach Marco van Basten |
United boss Alex Ferguson dropped him two months before the end of the season in favour of Frenchmen Louis Saha. But Van Basten may simply be using motivational tactics to fire up Van Nistelrooy.
"It is not nice for him when he is replaced but we did not speak about it," added Van Basten.
"Ruud will understand that if you play well you will not be substituted.
"We might expect more from Ruud, he has to play a bigger role in our attack."
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