World Cup notes: Netherlands likely loses de Jong with groin injury

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong’s World Cup appears to be over after tests confirmed he has a tear in his groin muscle and will be sidelined for 2 to 4 weeks.

De Jong limped off the field in the ninth minute of the Netherlands’ 2-1 comeback win over Mexico on Sunday in the second round. After the match, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said the injury looked serious and that De Jong’s absence would be a “blood-letting” for the team.

The 29-year-old AC Milan midfielder had been in outstanding form in Brazil, dominating the midfield with tough, well-timed tackles and helping create a platform for the front pair of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

Raj Perumal denies fix

Convicted match fixer Wilson Raj Perumal is denying that he predicted Cameroon’s 4-0 loss to Croatia at the World Cup and a player’s sending off, claims which prompted an investigation into feared corruption on the team.

Germany’s Der Spiegel alleged that in an online chat ahead of the match Perumal predicted the score and that Cameroon would have a player sent off in the first half.

Brazil contemplates switch

Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating adding another central defender to Brazil’s lineup against Colombia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, going back to the formation that gave his team the 2002 title.

The Brazil coach has to make at least one change because midfielder Luiz Gustavo is suspended. Scolari says he could either maintain the same formation from the first four matches, with four players at the back, or switch to a team with three central defenders, removing the responsibility of the full backs to defend.