World Cup 2014 Round of 16 - Netherlands vs Mexico, 29 June 18:00 CEST

UEFA Qualification Zone (top 25):




WC Group Game Results (all 32):



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Mexico's coach with his bodyguard:

 

Mexican coach is a pretty funny fellow by the way. Here is more on him:


Article


Has done well also.

 

What do people want to see if Sneijder is subbed out:

1. Wijnaldum replacing him
2. Depay replacing him
3. Somebody else (Fer is injured)

 

Hilarious

 

Gold.

 

Schneider 2010 version!

Seriously, don't think Winaljdum has the passing skill or vision we'd want them. Maybe Depay. Is Clasie not a good option? Maybe I'm just thinking of him bc he's a midget too

 

Yes Clasie could be an option, but it is never tried. It's as unorthodox as Kuyt as left wing back (or even less so) but hell, why not? Has vision at least and would help out in defense also.

Anyway, talking about nr 10's with vision:











Zico is fan of the Dutch NT. Of course he is.


Bonus clip:

 

Looks like Zico won that one!

Re Clasie, yes I was thinking of it because of his vision, and good work rate. If Sneijder still weak against Mexico and assuming we advance, maybe try it against Greece/CR as presumably a bit less risky. Would be a lot to ask of him against Mexico given he has yet to play.

This is where we miss Raffie. Affelay too

 

Van Gaal is an astute coach he knows the strengths and weaknesses of his players and he knows how to game plan vs any specific opponent. And when you have a coach that can do that and manage and, as we have seen, mold a team consisting of stars in their prime and young and talented up and comers into a group that believes in their abilities to go out and succeed on the pitch you have a formula for great things to happen for the Netherlands in WC2014!!

GO HOLLAND GO!!

 

Good point. Argentina is quite similar to Holland in my opinion. Both have very strong attacking players, average midfield, and average/questionable defense. Argentina's defense hasn't looked horrible, but one must take into consideration who they played. Iran and Bosnia had trouble scoring. Bosnia didn't score much until the 3rd game. Against Nigeria Argentina conceded 2 goals. Holland has shut out Chile, given up 2 goals to Australia, and 1 to Spain.

Holland has faced stronger opponents so far. Their round of 16 game comes against a strong Mexican team that scored 3 against Croatia and 1 against Cameroon (they 2 good goals taken away by the referee). Argentina will battle Switzerland in the round of 16. Switzerland has looked good and bad at times. Didn't impress much against Ecuador, got destroyed against France, and beat up Honduras pretty badly. I do expect both Holland and Argentina to meet in the quarter-finals. I think Argentina will get past a Swiss side that lacks the defensive prowess they used to have. I can see that game being a goal fest. Belgium will likely beat the Americans, but who knows with how lucky the US has been. Argentina vs Belgium would be an excellent match. Belgium's midfield would most likely dominate possession, but I think their lack of speed on the flanks would leave them very vulnerable. Belgium has had problems converting scoring opportunities against average to mediocre opponents. They haven't paid for it yet, but against an elite side like Argentina it may finally cost them.

Holland vs Mexico will be a great game. I expect Mexico to put up one hell of a fight. It'll be interesting to see what formation Van Gaal selects. Herrera will likely stick to the 5-3-2 that Mexico has been using. Midfield battle should be about even. The Dutch defense needs to watch Oribe Peralta very closely. He's a very good finisher. Mexico has two good CB's in Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno. The left side of the Mexican defense is strong with Moreno and LB Layun doing a good job of protecting that area. Layun has good speed. The right side of the Mexican defense is weak. CB Francisco Rodriguez is clumsy and slow. Paul Aguilar isn't anything special. Robben should definitely be played on the left side. I think he can exploit the weaknesses on Mexico's right.

The Dutch has done well so far, but can be erratic at times. Oribe Peralta and Gio Dos Santos will be a handful. I assume Kuyt won't be played at LB again? Will Janmaat and Blind play?

Should be a good game. I can see it going to extra time. I'll go with a 2-1 score for the Netherlands. Might change depending on potential lineup changes or weather. Hopefully no rain is in the forecast. A really good team will be going home on Saturday unfortunately.

 

There will be a suprise in the round of 16 i hope its not us. Also heard robben didnt train? Hope we can call on him for the match.

As for wesley he has been poor but our game has been about bypassing midfield. I think he knows whats at stake 2010 wesley will return...i hope

 

Anyone know what we'll be wearing on sunday?? I like orange shirts/white shorts the best

 

Also, looks like deGuzman has lost his starting spot to Wijnaldum, and Kuijt will also start for injured BMI:

http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/wk-voetbal-2014/22789728/__Wijnaldum_op_koers_voor_basis__.html

 

Makes a lot of sense. Kuyt can track the Mexican wingback while it frees up Blind. He can built up play from the back, an ability the rest of defense lack. Wijnaldum has the range to track Herrera. This could be a very nice match for Sneijder to shine.

 

Guessing Blind will get the assignment to contain dos Santos, much like he did for A. Sanchez. Hopefully he can keep his head cool. He got yellow carded for persistent fouling, and another yellow will rule him out for the next match. Key battle is Herrera and Guardado up against Wijnaldum and De Jong. This will be an interesting to watch.. combative midfielders on both sides. Agreed that Sneijder is the man in mission here, see if he can exploit Salcido (who appears to be the leading candidate to replace the suspended Vasquez).

 

I thought Wijnaldum was quite average against Chile, but then again so was deGuzman in his first 2 matches.

Anyways, it will be sunny and hot in Fortaleza: http://www.accuweather.com/en/br/fortaleza/43346/weekend-weather/43346

 

Who is the guy on the right?

 

^American Football star

 

Mr Gisele Bundchen aka Tom Brady