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.
Facts compiled from uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
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 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!
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