Netherlands left it late but they secured a place in the last eight of the World Cup after a 2-1 win over Mexico.
- By Michael Bell
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The heat in Fortaleza took its toll on the first half as Netherlands failed to make any in roads going forward, and instead looked to sit back and soak up pressure from Mexico. The only chance for Netherlands came in the final minutes of the first half as Robin van Persie capitalized on an error and set Robben in on goal, but after the winger was tripped in the box the referee waved play on.
In the second half Mexico got the reward for all their pressure as Giovanni dos Santos fired into the bottom corner from outside the box with an excellent strike.
This forced Louis van Gaal to change his tactics, and the Dutch went from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3, but as the clock ticked down it seemed Mexico were going to hold onto the win. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was once again in inspired form as he blocked Stefan de Vrij’s point blank effort onto the post.
Van Gaal then brought off Robin van Persie and put Klaas jan Huntelaar up front which changed the game. On 88 minutes a cross was headed to the edge of the box by Huntelaar, and Wesley Sneijder was on hand to smash into the bottom corner and level.
Then in stoppage time Arjen Robben was brought down by Rafael Marquez, and Huntelaar kept his composure to fire in from the spot, and send Netherlands into the quarter finals.
Netherlands were far from their best, and rode their luck at times against a Mexico side who controlled large parts of the game, but they are in the quarter finals, and await the winner of Greece versus Costa Rica for a place in the semi finals.
All Dutch fans will have had their hearts in their mouths today, but Louis van Gaal’s boy got the job done again, mainly thanks to Klaas jan Huntelaar, who has taken his long awaited chance in this World Cup.
Hup Holland.
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the 5-3-2 was the best tactic against Spain but its no longer needed. They must play 4-3-3 and try and work the ball. When they went down 0-1 they attacked and played great. As for the penalty is was legit, Robben embellished it but it was the right call. That was too close. They have to open up against Greece or Costa Rica they have the better players so USE them. LVG must realize the 5-3-2 served its purpose.
Wow what a game. They really looked fazed by the heat in the first half. De Jong going off was a huge blow. Apart from RVP and AR he’s been the best player and there’s no use trying to absorb pressure and counter without him. Hope JC gets a run against Costa Rica. Surprised he didn’t come on.
Great performance in the second half. The problem with 4-3-3 is it doesn’t suit RVP. Teams will sit back and crowd him out of the game. Huntelaar is a better option patrolling the box.
Maybe play Klaus in a 4-3-3 with Arjen on the wing until hopefully get a goal or two in front then bring RVP and switch to a 5-3-2. Could be the the way to deal with Brazil or Germany. There’s no use sitting back from the start against them. Don’t think my nerves will stand it.
Louis knows exactly what he is doing. We could not sustain an open high tempo 433 for 90 minutes in that unbelievable heat. IMPOSSIBLE.
The plan was CLEARLY to hold mexico for an hour, conserve our energy and then punish them at the end. The 532 starting lines were our best shot at that.
Ultimately, we did not hold mexico, and Van Gaal’s hand was forced (twice) in order to then dominate and finally clinch the game – risking all in the heat and emotion. But hey, we are adaptable at the very least. And we have resolve – we have been behind in 3 of our 4 games so far, and then won.
I’ve seen 3 finals lost.
I’ve seen us play the beautiful game and the not-so-beautiful game.
I don’t think we have the same high quality players of other generations (or even other countries), another reason to use 532, but we do have a chance and personally I don’t care how we play anymore. All that matters is winning. I think Louis thinks this also.
That’s the art of the counterpunch.
You don’t beat the 400 pound gorilla. You let the 400 pound gorilla beat itself.
There are questions over Louis’ initial selections, but no one can fault his tactical changes. And the more one sees how little actual quality we possess, the more one realises the necessity for strong smart tactics and teamwork – and boy do we have that!
Here’s a thought:
How many other nations could lose their best two midfielders (Strootman, Van Der Vaart) right before a tournament and still reach the knockout stages?
And how many could then lose their next best midfielder (De Jong) ten minutes into the first knockout game, and still progress to the quarter finals?
I’m thinking not that many.
It’s not the depth of talent that is digging us out of these holes. It’s pure fighting spirit.
HUP HOLLAND!