Nigel de Jong out of the World Cup through injury

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury.

The AC Milan man was taken off after just nine minutes of his side's last-16 clash with Mexico on Sunday, and was forced to watch on from the sidelines as the Dutch scored two late goals to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Holland boss Louis van Gaal admitted after the game that De Jong was a doubt for the last eight, but the Dutch FA has now confirmed that the 29-year-old will miss the remainder of the tournament in Brazil.

"An MRI examination at hospital confirmed that Nigel de Jong is struggling with a tear in his groin muscle," the KNVB said in a statement.

"The 75-times capped international is therefore presumably out for two to four weeks.

"De Jong, who in last Sunday's match against Mexico was injured after nine minutes, remains with the team in Brazil to work there on his rehabilitation."

Netherlands will face surprise package Costa Rica in the quarter-finals on Saturday night.