Newcastle United defender Daryl Janmaat has claimed that his side's upcoming clash with Swansea City is just as big as a World Cup semi-final.
The Magpies have lost six consecutive matches in the Premier League, leaving them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
There is also increased turmoil in the stands at St James' Park, with opposition to owner Mike Ashley constantly growing.
Janmaat featured for the Netherlands against Argentina in the last four of the 2014 World Cup, but the 25-year-old believes that Saturday's encounter with Swansea could be just as important.
"It's a big game," he told the Evening Chronicle. "I have played in the semi-finals of the World Cup. That was big but this is close for me. We have to win it. We are staying focused. Taking three points will be enough to be safe at the moment. That is our only focus."
Newcastle's latest defeat came on the weekend as they suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Jack Prescott
