Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has leapt to the defence of midfield enforcer Mark van Bommel.
A number of dubious challenges may have gone un-noticed by the referees, but not fans, who have vented their frustration at Van Bommel's cynical approach on various websites.
But he has only been booked once in the World Cup - for kicking the ball away - and Van Marwijk said: "I don't agree with what people are saying. The yellow card on Tuesday was his first in the entire competition. He has shown a lot of discipline in his play."
Van Bommel is feted in Holland though, to the extent he has been tipped as the next Dutch skipper given Giovanni van Bronckhorst will retire immediately after Sunday's final against Spain.
It seems the Bayern Munich man is not interested in the job.
"I don't want to be the captain," he said. "I didn't make any international appearances for two years and other players deserve it more."
Source: PA
