FREIBURG, Germany, June 22 - Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy could be left out of the starting lineup for this weekend's second round World Cup match against Portugal, coach Marco van Basten told reporters on Thursday.

"The central position up front is a point of discussion and the chance that Dirk (Kuyt) will start on Sunday has increased," Van Basten told reporters ahead of Sunday's game.

Van Nistelrooy started the tournament as first choice but has scored only one goal, against Ivory Coast, and was taken off in all three group matches.