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

Hey lookie at what I found

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-World-...841?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51bf57abc9

Consider this a Public Service Announcement for our Mexican friends...or Dutchies who just love mullets

 

He also looks like a prancing pony there.

 

I have a bad feeling about this game. But then again, I had a bad feeling about the Australia and Chile games, as well as a really bad feeling before the 2010 semifinal against Uruguay, and in all cases the Dutch managed to come through

Penalties would in principle be quite a worrying scenario due to Holland's record, but Mexico's record isn't exactly stellar either. They also never won a WC shootout, and I think they only scored 1 out of 3 penalties in their 1986 shootout, and 1 out of 4 in 1994.

Holland at least have won their last shootout in a major tournament (2004), and since that time I generally felt more comfortable with their prospects (Robben, van Persie, etc). And if van Gaal had a substitution left to bring on Mr. "Penalty Killer" Vorm in the 120th minute it would be even better!

 

I don't think anyone but neutrals is looking forward to a penalty shootout. I don't really want to go through the sheer horror of the 1998 shootout against Brazil again. I'm sure the Mexicans would also want the match settled before the extra time is over with their penalty record.

 

Same here, I have a bad feeling about this game as well.

If it goes to penalty's I have no trust in Cillessen. Your suggestion is one that has crossed my mind as well. Not only Vorm, also Krul is a better penalty stopper than Cillessen from what I have seen so far. One of those 2 should be brought in somewhere in the second half of extra time if we manage to get there. If Cillessen stays on he should at least listen to his keeper coach and use the info that is given to him. Not trying to be a smart*** like with the last penalty. They have stats on many Mexican players. Use it.

 

Actually is there a worse penalty stopper than Cillessen?

Krul and Vorm are better, but it goes beyond that.

Vermeer is better without question. Zoet might be better? Stekelenburg never a super hero with penalty's but maybe stopped one or two? de Ruiter from Utrecht?


Is Cillessen the worst penalty stopper from all the (serious) keepers with a Dutch passport?

 

Jasper has never lost a penalty shoot out and it won't go to penalties either way imo. I think we will win in regular time.

Mexico have a bad streak against counter attacking teams and we've perfected it against Chile. Add our height advantage and I can see us doing damage to their defense in set pieces.

I like having Wijnaldum in midfield because we will have pace on both flanks. I have a feeling he's going to score a goal or two.

 

How many penalty's has he stopped at Ajax/NEC? Just curious. I mean stopped, not that a taker sky's it.

 

According to his own account he's never stopped one, but somehow they keep missing or else he wouldn't be undefeated. I've seen people on VZ say that he oozes too much confidence/borderline arrogance. That must be it, opponents get nervous.

 

I agree and I think Messi will knock Belgium out (although I think USA stand a pretty good chance against them considering Belgium haven't really impressed in what was considered a weak group).

Argentina looked a lot better though once Aguero limped off and Lavezzi came on. They should be considered favourites if/should we meet them.

 

Yes. Which is quite weird if you think about it considering Vermeer is also known for it and they're about the same height. Perhaps taller goalies are just slower to go down due to their body.

 

Wijnaldum will start so hopefully Depay. We will counter attack so we need as much pace as possible. I won't mind if Depay gets a start and bring Clasie on in the 2nd half should/once we've gone up against Mexico.

Cillessen

Janmaat - De Vrij - Vlaar - Daley - Kuyt

Wijnaldum - De Jong - Depay

RVP - Robben​

 

He says he never lost a penalty shootout, but when in his senior career has he even been in one? As far as I know neither NEC (2010-11) or Ajax (2011-present) even had a penalty shootout during their respective KNVB Cup runs?

It may be that his confidence to some degree increases the chance of an opponent missing, but in a World Cup that isn't good enough. He needs to be able to stop weak penalties too (e.g. Bernal and Rodriguez's efforts in 1994).

And unfortunately, given the likely temperature and humidity this Sunday, it's by no means likely that van Gaal will have a spare substitution available when the 120th minute comes by. Really hope Holland can put the game to bed long before this!

 

So my memory was refreshed today learning again that they have a player in the Mexican NT called Gullit. I don't know if he is named after him, but he must be aware that he is in good company. The legend himself:

 

3 yellows and 1 red card so far from him. He gave 18 yellows and 4 red card in his last 2 games in Portugal.

Will they use the fact that he's an UEFA referee as an excuse should we make the next round?

 

I have no idea. To be honest at first I thought you were singling him out because he came from NEC and you support NAC lol.

LVG should bring Vorm in should there be penalties if only for our opponents to think "oehh he must be good at this".

 

^I thought a ref has to be from a neutral confederation? Or does that only apply to group matches

 

Getting to know the Mexicans 101

Article # 1 : What's with the Mexicans' ******** problem ?

 

Getting to know the Mexicans 101

Article # 2 : How Mexico will prepare for the match