Netherlands Squad Report: FIFA boots the Dutch from their hotel to make way for sponsors

It was back to training less than 24 hours after the Netherlands secured a place in the World Cup semifinals. However, as Louis van Gaal's squad ran through drills and light exercises amid a convivial atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro, the Dutch football association was dealing with the logistics of the Netherlands' extended run in the tournament.

In order to use the Caesar Park hotel in Ipanema, where the team has been staying since the World Cup began, the Dutch had to agree to vacate their rooms ahead of the semifinal due to an influx of FIFA dignitaries and sponsors coming to Rio for the final.

It's not an ideal situation for the KNVB, but the only lodging available for the entire tournament was located almost a kilometer above sea level, and the Dutch were aware that this would happen if they progressed far enough into the tournament.

They'll depart on Tuesday for Sao Paulo to prepare for their semifinal clash against Argentina, and when they return to Rio — win or lose — they'll be in new accommodations.

Of course, it's well within the rights of FIFA to maintain their own reservations, it's just a little odd that it should be at the expense of players preparing to compete in the very event that its dignitaries and sponsors are coming to see. Give the potential for a Netherlands - Brazil final, you can forgive the tinfoil hats currently being placed on the heads of Dutch supporters.

It's impossible to win a World Cup without overcoming adversity, and if unfamiliar accommodations is the toughest challenge the Netherlands squad has to face over the next week, they should embrace it fully.

Fixtures/Results

Group B  — June 13 — Spain 1 - Netherlands 5

Group B  — June 18 — Australia 2 - Netherlands 3

Group B — June 23  — Netherlands 2 - Chile 0

Round of 16 — June 29 — Netherlands 2 - Mexico 1

Quarterfinal — July 5 —  Netherlands 0 (4) - Chile 0 (3)

Semifinal — July 9 — Netherlands vs. Argentina

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

Nigel de Jong (groin) did walking exercises and took part in light training with the rest of the club on Sunday. He's still a long-shot to be in match shape for the final.

Leroy Fer (thigh) trained apart from the rest of the squad. He's questionable for the semifinal match against Argentina.

Ron Vlaar (knees) didn't take part in training, and his status for Wednesday's game is unknown.

Team Leaders

Goals: Arjen Robben - 3; Robin van Persie - 3

Assists: Arjen Robben - 1; Klaas Jan Huntelaar - 1

Shots: Arjen Robben - 17

Passes Completed: Daley Blind - 256

Tackles: Stefan de Vrij - 15

Recoverd Balls: Stefan de Vrij - 34

Saves: Jasper Cillessen - 12

5 Quick Notes

1. After the match against Costa Rica, Arjen Robben shared his frustrations with NOS: "In recent days there has been a lot of talk about diving and actually I'm tired of this [nonsense]. I get kicked from all sides, but luckily I am still fit."

2. Louis van Gaal says the Tim Krul substitution was all a part of the plan.

3. Jasper Cillessen apologized for his angry reaction to being subbed off.

4. Listen to Jack van Gelder calling the penalty kicks from Netherlands vs. Costa Rica:

5. Arjen Robben's pep-talk was so intense, Louis van Gaal didn't want to get involved: