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Netherlands vs Brazil - FIFA World Cup Match Preview

Matias Vulej, July 1 2010,
Arjen Robben's return is feeding Netherland's dreams of claiming a place within World's top four. Brazil, with four players unable to perform will have a test of fire this Friday.

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Having both led their groups without major inconveniences, this giant's clash will face Bert van Marwijk's boys against one of the favorites, but if they do make it against Brazil, then half a title will already belong to them. Elano is surely out, maybe for the rest of the tournament, Ramires is suspended, Julio Baptista and Felipe Melo are struggling with injuries, will Dunga be able to win the midfield's battle without midfielders?

Victims of violence

"Felipe Melo, Julio Baptista and I.. We're all victims of violence. In the end, the only ones who suffer are those who get injured. None of our players are so malicious when defending. Referee's criteria should benefit us who get injured some times" were Elano's words after difficult days, for Dunga's favorite might be sidelined for the rest of the African experience after Kiote's attack during the group stage. Kaka returned to the squad when he was needed the most, but now it'd be tough to find players who can join him and Gilberto Silva in the most important part of the field.

 

Brazil has not been as fluent as we're used to, but nevertheless the presence of monsters like Robinho and Luis Fabiano in their rival's area is sometimes enough to secure a game. Against Chile Brazil played its best match so far, with a strong connection between Kaka and the rest of the squad, feeding Dunga's scheme as a living organism, with strong legs and a fast-reacting head.

“We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to play against. Their football is actually very similar to South American football. They don’t try to stay defending and rely on long balls. They have technical quality and we will need to be ready for that.” were Brazil's coach Dunga concerning this match. To stand against an European potency Kaka will play a role of utmost importance. Having already assisted his team mates three times, he might become the top assister in South Africa if things go right early this Friday: Muller has three on his own and will be looking forward to open a wider gap against Argentina.

Despite Brazil is the clear favorite for the battle, one should not look over the fact that Netherlands has gone undefeated for the last 23 matches. But Brazil holds a strong record on its own, and as they advance in the competition their confidence grows stronger and their efficiency sharpens endlessly.

26 is the number

Being one of the few teams that could end the first round with perfect scoring, Netherland's adverse luck have them face Brazil in quarter-finals, and even though every single match oughts to be faced as a final from now on, Oranje's crush will be particularly dangerous, as Brazil is improving and turning into a monster week after week. Arjen Robben's brilliant return to the squad (having missed most of the competition due to an injury) is promising the Europeans an opportunity against a weakened Brazil.

To join Robben Netherlands has a strong squad, with Wesley Sneijder at the peak of his career after a perfect season with Internazionale, Robin van Persie's uncanny wisdom in rival's area and Dirk Kuyt troubling from the wings. Brazil's sturdy defense will be a tough nut to crack for the dutch: Arjen Robben might offer the opportunity to score as he'll have to gain Michel Bastos' position to engage in one-on-one combat with Julio Cesar, and his technique might lean the game on the orange side.

Maarten Stekelenburg will probably be the decisive player of the match, as if the dutch goalkeeper manages to keep his goal shut against Carioca's furious blows, it'll boost Netherlands' spirit. The team has already granted two penalty shoots to their rivals in South Africa, and another mistake like that could be deadly at this point.

Having faced three times in World Championships, both teams won a match and tied once. The winner will advance to the semi finals and obtain the upper hand for future competitions... Who will make it?

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