Netherlands go into their final group game against Chile on Friday needing only a point to top Group B, and avoid a potential clash with Brazil in the next round.
- By Michael Bell
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With both sides sitting on six points after wins over Australia and Spain, Netherlands face Chile knowing a draw would be good enough to top group B, and lead to a simpler route to the World Cup semi-finals.
The way things currently sit in the tournament means winning group B would set up a potential meeting with either Croatia or Mexico in the next round, and although neither side is to be underrated they are much less of an intimidating opponent than hosts Brazil, who will likely come out on top in group A.
Beating the runner up of group A would then mean a quarter final clash with the runner up of group C, likely to be Ivory Coast, or the winner of group D, currently Costa Rica. This represents a much simpler path for the Netherlands, rather than Brazil and then the likes of Italy, Colombia, or Uruguay if they finish 2nd in Group B.
Monday will represent Netherlands biggest test so far in the World Cup, and if they come out on top then its one huge step towards lifting the trophy in July.
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If I was LVG I would show the Dutch club videos of the speed skaters that slaughtered everyone in Sochi. They have the talent but showing how hard and competitive the Dutch skaters were would inspire them so much. I wish someone could tell LVG of this idea. Holland has the technical skills but they need the heart and will to win that the speed skaters did in Sochi. And to me being Dutch watching them slaughter other nations was MAJESTIC.
I am big big ORANJE supporter….in 2010 final ….God was not with Netherlands… if God was with Netherlands…then Robben should not have missed that chance….and again penalty was not given when Puyol fouls on Robben…………….Let’s come to this World Cup…..it is 110% sure that Netherlands will win the trophy on 14 July 2014 at Maracana, Rio de Janeiro.
hope to see huntelaar,as rvp is suspended.he deserves it and i am sure the dutch wont miss rvp because with robben in front he will cause all sort of problems to the chile defense as he is determined to show he is a world class player too
I am not so sure that Croatia (or even Mexico) will be easier opponents than Brazil.
Brazil, apart from the home support, of course, haven’t looked particularly frightening and remain overreliant on Neymar and Oscar. The midfield is ponderous. There isn’t great pace in counterattack. And the amount of space Dani Alves leaves behind can be exploited by Robben.
Mexico, on the other hand, look likely to give another Australia like scare while Croatian midfield, as long as their wingers find some sort of form, can be quite scary.