Netherlands defender Joris Mathijsen is to have scans on his right knee after having to pull out at the very last minute before the 2-1 win over Brazil in the quarter-finals at the World Cup.

The Hamburg central defender was already in his match uniform at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday when he felt a stabbing pain in his knee and had to tell coach Bert van Marwijk he could not play.

"Sometimes you have to be professional enough to say you're not fit," Mathijsen said. "The medical staff did all they could."

Veteran PSV Eindhoven defender Andre Ooijer took Mathijsen's place in the starting line-up.

"Andre was a great replacement," Mathijsen said.

Mathijsen said he hopes to be fit for the semifinal on Tuesday.

"I hope to be better after three or four days' rest," he said.

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie also left Port Elizabeth with his left elbow taped up after he fell heavily on it during the match, but he said he would definitely be fit for the semi-finals.

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