Netherlands and Chile will face each other as the two sides look to qualify from Group B as top dogs. The match will be played at the Arena de Sao Paulo on June 23.
Both teams are guaranteed of qualification to the Round of 16 after having won their first two matches. However, both will be keen to finish on top of the group as the team which comes second in the group are expected to face Brazil in the second round.
Louis Van Gaal’s Holland team will be high on confidence currently after having defeated Spain and Australia in their first two matches. While the Dutch extracted revenge from Spain for their defeat in the 2010 world cup final in emphatic fashion – a 5-1 decimation of the deposed champions, they came from behind to win against a highly energetic Australian outfit.
While the Coach’s inventive new 5-3-2 formation gave a lot of freedom to the attackers and allowed the creative midfielders to join the attack without having to bother about their defensive duties, the Oranje seamlessly reverted back to a traditional 4-3-3 to get the job done against Australia.
Defender Bruno Martins Indi was substituted as Van Gaal brought on an extra attacker in the form of Memphis Depay. The youngster repaid his coach’s trust in him with an excellent strike from distance which was also the deciding goal in the match.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar is expected to be given a run out at some stage against Chile as Robin Van Persie has been suspended for the two yellow cards that he’s got over the first two matches. Youngster Jordie Classie is also expected to feature for the Dutch at some stage in the match.
Chile were dominant against Spain as they knocked the defending champions out with a 2-0 victory over the Spaniards. Their 3-1 win against Australia was equally well deserved as the team played really well as a unit.
While the tactic of playing two fullbacks in central defence drew flak from some critics against Australia, Chile were able to organize their defence impeccably against Spain. They have a couple of great midfielders in Arturo Vidal and Jorge Valdivia who complement each other extremely well.
Chile also have a couple of big threats in attack with Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez and Valencia’s Eduardo Vargas in good form in front of goal. The duo have a goal each in two games so far in the ongoing edition of the World Cup.
Chile are a compact team and can be a dangerous opposition for Netherlands. However, the Dutch can edge this if they are able to maintain a high tempo throughout the match with the Chilean defence definitely not the best in the competition.