Hiddink's PSV look to break down defence of Milan giants

Gordon Tynan
Tuesday 26 April 2005 00:00 BST
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PSV Eindhoven's coach, Guus Hiddink, is a familiar face to Italian supporters. The Dutchman guided South Korea to an extra-time upset of Italy during the 2002 World Cup. Tonight, at San Siro, Hiddink's latest charges face Milan in the first leg of the Champions' League semi-finals looking to create more upsets.

PSV Eindhoven's coach, Guus Hiddink, is a familiar face to Italian supporters. The Dutchman guided South Korea to an extra-time upset of Italy during the 2002 World Cup. Tonight, at San Siro, Hiddink's latest charges face Milan in the first leg of the Champions' League semi-finals looking to create more upsets.

Milan have conceded just three goals in their 10 Champions' League games this season, including two against Barcelona in their only loss in Europe this season. Led by Andrei Shevchenko's five goals and Hernan Crespo's four, Milan have scored 15 times. PSV, on the other hand, reached the semi-finals without a win in the quarter-finals, advancing only after two 1-1 draws against Lyon which led to a penalty shoot-out won 4-2. Hiddink said: "I think they can spend 10 or 20 times more than we can on players. But, nevertheless, sometimes a small team can shock a big one."

The Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, still has the 11 starters who won the European Cup in 2003 but also has injury worries. Their key midfielder Andrea Pirlo has a knee injury and is a questionable starter. Rui Costa could fill in.

PSV have one injury problem following their 3-0 League victory over Vitesse on Saturday that won them the title.

The Brazilian striker Robert de Pinho de Souza is out with an ankle problem. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, the club's top scorer, is expected to recover from a hamstring strain.

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