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Van Basten Pulls Out

NOORDWIJK, Netherlands -- Dutch striker Marco van Basten ruled himself out of the World Cup on Friday after his Italian club AC Milan made it clear they were adamantly opposed to his selection. Van Basten, who has not played since May last year because of a serious ankle injury, was invited to become the 22nd player in the Dutch squad after Ruud Gullit left their training camp Monday without explanation. The invitation was initially accepted by van Basten. But within a day he had reversed his decision. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has called in Anderlecht striker John Bosman instead.

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