Chile vs Netherlands - Sao Paulo - June 23 [R]

Brazil has the home advantage, but that's it. Mexico/Croatia might actually be harder to beat than Brazil. Mexico and Croatia impressed me a lot thus far. Brazil not so much.

 

The match schedule gives Brazil a lot of control over who they will play in the next round. I think Netherlands vs Chili will be a fairly trivial match where both sides are in it for damage control and not to exert themselves overly.

 

I think Chile should avoid Brazil at all cost. There is this mental block with Brazil, we have a chance vs anyone in the world, except Brazil. I think Chile will bench Charles Aranguiz and Vidal as they both have yellows and the first one got injured.

 

Not even considering Brazil, looking further out and judging team performance thusfar , the "easier" route to the finals seems to be 1B vs 2A.

 

Apparently both teams are going full out and will not rest players. From Chile the 3 most likely changes are Aranguiz (injury), Mena and Vidal (yellows). Apart from that all starters. Although there are also rumors that Aranguiz is well and fully recovered.

On Holland, any missing? apart from RVP.
Btw if I had to choose between Holland missing RVP or Robben, Id choose RVP so happy with that.

 

Yañez, in all probability the Netherlands will also be missing Bruno Martins Indi, he is currently out due to a concussion. I think both Netherlands and Chile assume Brazil will end first in their group, so they will go all out to secure first spot in order to avoid them.

I am curious to see how van Gaal will change the team with van Persie and Indi out, my guess is he won't change his system and he's gonna put in Lens for van Persie and Veltman for Indi.

van Persie obviously is a big loss since he has proven to be vital for us in both games, scoring 2 much needed equalizers.

 

Tough match for us. I would be happy with a draw. Hoping for a match without injuries and bookings.

 

Really?Obviously both are world class, but I'd fear Robben much more than RvP. You can man mark a guy like van Persie, but you need speed to cover Arjen Robben, and nobody has Arjen Robben speed in their defense.

 

Robben is a more special player, and even more talented than RVP. However, due to the style of the player, RVP fits into Chiles weakness, a strong "9" have always caused us trouble. We have made Messi and other talented players look invisible way easier than a strong RVP style player.

 

Thought Huntelaar was replacing RVP?

 

tactics wise it would be better to pick Lens instead of Hunterlaar. It would make the team more dynamic.

 

I doubt it, he doesnt fit well in the system we currently play, so unless van Gaal changes his tactics i think Lens will start.

As Bran said.. Lens has more pace and is more dynamic, Huntelaar is the best finisher but more dependent on how he is provided.

 

I expect Delay to replace RVP

 

Depay

 

Good luck today Holland. Should be a good one.

 

Even though Brazil weak by their own standards i don't believe for a second their losing in the r16. Holland would be smart to play for a draw since they have +5'GD. Chile needs a win since a Brazil always bosses them around.

 

Kuyt is playing? Wow, he must be a hundred years old by now

 

apparently at LWB no less.... puzzled

 

I think Holland will stay true to its pragmatic attitude, summarised by Robben before the start of the tournament: "In the end, it's all about the result."

True to that, expect to see plenty more long balls to Robben (and maybe Lens).


Bu hopefully an early lead by Chile will provide NL with an incentive to not sit back and wait to counter with long balls. =)

 

I am also very curious to see how De Jong and de Guzman take on Vidal!

 

Kuyt playing What year is this again 2006 ? Or 2014...

 

Staying loyal to south America; go Chile.

 

No matter what happens the CAF referee will get bashed.