Football / World Cup USA '94: Young Irish set for toil in Florida furnace: Charlton's Campaign: An embarrassment of riches has placed Ireland's manager in a selectorial dilemma. Trevor Haylett reports

THE individual potential points to the Netherlands; the collective spirit and will swings the balance back in favour of the Republic of Ireland. Orlando on Independence Day is in festive mood but for the footballing ambassadors of two small European countries this is very serious business indeed.

The Irish green and the orange of the Dutch have completely overwhelmed the stars and stripes of the home country and put the American colours firmly in the shade, such shade which survives as the thermometer reaches the 120s with the approach of the midday start in the Citrus Bowl. For the players it will be hard, lung-scorching work, and it will be the same for the fans as well: this fascinating clash for a place in the quarter finals is not expected to produce a glorious spectacle.

While Jack Charlton gave himself more time overnight to ponder his selectorial dilemma - is it to be Denis Irwin or Gary Kelly? Terry Phelan or Steve Staunton? And perm any midfield two from Staunton, Jason McAteer and Ray Houghton - the Dutch seem more certain, and reinstate Frank Rijkaard for the suspended Jan Wouters and adjust their formation to cater for the Irish menace.

In addition their coach, Dick Advocaat, is likely to harden his

defence. The inclusion of Danny Blind will make four where usually there is a rearguard of three, a formidable barrier in front of Ed de Goey with an eye on the opportunity for the quick counter-attack the priority against opponents who, in eight games in two World Cup finals, have lost just twice and conceded only five goals. 'Ireland have a tough team and play a very aggressive game,' Advocaat said. 'We will play similarly to them, moving people behind the ball and looking for the counter-attack.'

Charlton makes the Dutch favourites, a characteristic ploy designed to apply pressure on the opposition, though it is a hollow claim set against the evidence of the group series which saw them finish in front while too often giving the appearance of a comic searching for his best lines.

In fact Charlton is banking on twin upsets in Orlando and San Francisco, where the home country face the tournament favourites to produce a glamour quarter-final in Dallas on Saturday. 'Nobody should take anything for granted,' says the Irish manager for whom Orlando, the defeat by Mexico and the touchline ban and fine by Fifa, remains a bad memory. 'Everyone expects Brazil to beat the United States and Holland to beat us but that might not be the case. We have played three games against the Dutch in four years and have watched them on so many other occasions that this is one of the easiest games to prepare for.'

The further the tournament proceeds the shorter are the odds against a European victory on cup final afternoon in the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, on 17 July. Ten of the second-round places were filled by teams from that continent and Charlton said: 'The heat was always going to favour the South Americans and those other nations who live and work in it. Our game has always been about chasing and closing people down but we can't do that here, so we are letting the players play as individuals and telling them to have a go at people the way they see it.'

With that Charlton returned his thoughts to his starting line-up, but those will remain private until just before the start. It was against the Dutch in Tilburg in April that Gary Kelly first confirmed his outstanding potential could be transferred to the most demanding of stages. His pace could be vital if the Dutch decide to opt for a speed merchant down their left. If Charlton, a cautious animal despite his promise to attack, opts for greater defensive nous and experience then the vote will go to Irwin.

McAteer's memorable contribution of skill and durability against Norway should mean that the Aston Villa pair of Houghton and Steve Staunton will dispute the left midfield berth. Of the two full- backs returning from suspension, Phelan looks the more secure. The other area of doubt concerns the striker's position where Tommy Coyne, refreshed after sitting out the last game, could return for John Aldridge. Tony Cascarino, fit at last following a calf strain, could be given a 15-minute opportunity to cause damage in the air if the situtation so demands.

NETHERLANDS (probable): De Goey (Feyenoord), Valckx (Sporting Lisbon), Blind (Ajax), Koeman (Barcelona), F de Boer (Ajax), Winter (Lazio), Rijkaard (Ajax), Jonk (Internazionale), Roy (Foggia), Bergkamp (Internazionale), Van Vossen (Ajax).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (probable): Bonner (Celtic); G Kelly (Leeds United), Babb (Coventry), McGrath (Aston Villa), Phelan (Manchester City), McAteer (Bolton), Keane (Manchester United), Townsend (Aston Villa), Sheridan (Sheffield Wednesday), Staunton (Aston Villa), Coyne (Motherwell).

Referee: P Mikkelsen (Denmark).

(Photograph omitted)