After perpetrating defending champions Spain’s early demise from the World Cup, high fliers Netherlands and the resilient Chile take on each other at the Sao Paolo Arena to settle Group B’s bragging rights. Both teams arrive in Sao Paolo on the back of two consecutive wins and will lock horns for the top spot in the group, as well to avoid a potential Round of 16 clash with hot favorites Brazil.
Netherlands skipper Robin van Persie conceded that while he would like to take on Brazil on their home soil, he would ideally prefer to play them towards the advanced stages of the tournament. “I’d really like to play them,” he said of the Samba boys, “but a little bit later (in the World Cup).”
However, the Manchester striker is suspended for the crunch tie against Chile after picking up two yellow cards in the opening two games.
The Oranje might have further selection dilemmas to deal with as central defender Bruno Martins Indi could well miss out on the match after suffering a concussion in his side’s 3-2 comeback win over Australia. PSV Eindhoven’s Memphis Depay, who impressed after coming on against the Kangaroos and scored the winner, could well start up front alongside Arjen Robben. Klaas Jan Huntelaar remains another option for incoming United manager Louis van Gaal.
Chile are on a roll after consecutive wins over Australia and Spain and would look to continue their winning momentum against a Dutch side without their talismanic striker-cum-captain. Coach Jorge Sampaoli could think about benching Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz, who have both picked up a booking in the competition and could miss out on the Round of 16 match if they do so on Monday.
Aranguiz also has a minor knee injury and midfielder Carlos Carmona could well take his place in the lineup. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, however dismissed suggestions that he is worried about the suspension he picked up against Spain last Wednesday. “This squad is showing how great it is and that’s why I’m not thinking about that yellow card, nor that I could be suspended,” Vidal told a Chilean daily quoted by skysports, as he looks to lead Chile to the top spot in Group B and maybe cast an impression on the new Manchester United manager van Gaal in what promises to be an exciting summer for the talented box-to-box midfielder.
Netherlands vs Chile Match Facts:
- These teams have met once before in an international match. That encounter is older than the World Cup itself and took place in the Consolation Tournament at the 1928 Olympic Games. The match finished 2-2 and Holland were declared winners after drawing of lots, for which Holland won a silver trophy – which it passed on to the Chilean team in an act of sportsmanship!
- Netherlands have played 11 World Cup matches against CONMEBOL countries and their track record is W6 D3 L2. The Dutch are undefeated (W3 D2 L0) in their last five.
- Holland have not lost any of their 18 international matches in which Daryl Janmaat has played. Only one other Oranje player has played that many without ever losing, Hedwiges Maduro. Roy Makaay did not lose in any of his first 25 matches for Holland, before dropping from the ranks of the undefeated.
- Chile have won their last two World Cup matches. Their team record winning streak in the competition is three, a run they established between 1950 and 1962.
- Chile have never finished top of their group at a World Cup.
- Chile have not yet trailed at this World Cup and have had the lead for 150 out of a possible 180 minutes.
Facts compiled from uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
Netherlands vs Chile Predicted Lineups:
Netherlands: Jasper Cillessen; Daley Blind, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat; Jonathan de Guzmán, Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder; Memphis Depay, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben.
Chile: Claudio Bravo; Gonzalo Jara, Gary Medel, Francisco Silva; Eugenio Mena, Marcelo Díaz, Charles Aránguiz, Mauricio Isla; Arturo Vidal; Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sánchez.
Netherlands vs Chile Prediction:
Netherlands have an in-form Arjen Robben at the top of his game, and with quality to call on from the reserves in RVP’s absence, van Gaal’s side should fancy their chances. But Chile’s defense has looked solid and with Sanchez and Vargas in their ranks, they have goals in the locker. 1-1 for me!