Possible Holland Lineup To Face Brazil – Manchester United Striker May Not Start

The Netherlands were unlucky to be knocked out of the semi finals against a plucky Argentine team which defended with all their might and thanks to Sergio Romero’s heroics in the penalty shootout, the Albiceleste marched on to the final of the showpiece event. Louis Van Gaal’s side now take on a crestfallen Brazilian team who were humiliated by the Germans in the first semi final. The new Manchester United manager claims there will be no sympathy from the Europeans who understandably have overachieved and certainly want to go out with a bang. Can the Selecao recover from the fresh wounds or will the Dutch pain Brasilia to inflict further damage? We here at Soccersouls provide our readers with the strongest Dutch side who will face Brazil for the third-fourth place playoff.

Goalkeeping and Defense:

Jasper Cillessen failed to stop even one penalty as there was no heroics from Tim Krul against Argentina. The Newcastle United star might however get his first start against Brazil and would want to showcase his gifted shot stopping skills against the home nation who possess plenty of attacking prowess of their own. Krul needs to keep his calms and ensure his distribution while flawless and keep his concentration which coming out to claim crosses out from the wings.

Stephan De Vrij, Ron Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi should be the three centre backs in the heart of the 5-3-2 formation. Dirk Kuyt, will start in the left wing back role this time with Daryl Janmaat rested. Daley Blind with his enthusiasm should start in the other wing back role and the Manchester United linked player needs to ensure he puts a good shift in against the pacy and tricky Bernard on the right flanks.

Midfield:

Nigel De Jong was fit enough to last an hour and might invariabley start alongside the likes of Giorginho Wijnaldum and Wesley Snjeider to hold fort in the middle of the park. Arjen Robben has claimed that Argentina don’t even stand a chance against the Germans in the final at the Maracana and the pacy winger who remains the trump card for Holland starts for the Dutch. The dutch midfield looks thin and wafer breadth like but their tactical flexibility and versatility should match the Brazilians in the middle of the park if they are to get anything from the encounter.

Strikeforce:

RVP

Robin Van Persie was hardly effective against Argentina and the Brazilian defense will look to keep the Manchester United striker quiet throughout the match. It would be interesting to see if Van Gaal decides to tinker and tweak the front line, instead preferring the exuberance for Klaas Jan Huntelaar for the game. The Schalke forward came on as a substitute in the semi final but failed to make an impression and its also believed that he refused to take a penalty in the shootout.