体坛英语新闻：Netherlands choose Rio as World Cup base - reports

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands have chosen Rio de Janeiro as their 2014 World Cup base, despite not playing a group match in the city, local media reported Wednesday.

Louis van Gaal's team will train at Gavea, the home of Campeonato Brasileirogiants Flamengo, according to Brazilian news portal Uol.

"Flamengo's facilities were chosen, among other reasons, for their proximity to Caesar Park hotel in Ipanema, where the team will be staying," the report said.

The Netherlands have been drawn in Group B, dubbed the tournament's Group of Death.

They will open their campaign against world champions Spain in Salvador on June 13 before facing Australia in Porto Alegre on June 18 and Chile in SaoPaulo five days later.

England have also chosen Rio as their tournament base while Italy will stay 120km west in the resort town of Mangaratiba.

The World Cup will be staged in 12 Brazilian cities from June 12 to July 13 next year.