(We apologize for the mistake in the headline, it has been found and changed. Robin Van Persie is suspended for this game after receiving two yellow cards in the first two group games)
After a superb comeback win in an enthralling contest against Australia, Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands take on Chile before the knockout stages in a clash which will ultimately decide the winners of the group. The Oranjes have been simply sumptuous in the showpiece event scoring a total of 8 goals in their opening two matches but will now face a strong Chilean side who eliminated the World Champions Spain. Will the likes of Robben, Depay and Sneijder take charge yet again or will Jorge Sampaoli’s relentless Chilean outfit have the last laugh? Here is Netherlands strongest lineup against the South Americans.
Goalkeeper:
Jasper Cillessen will be expected to have a busy game, especially with Sampaoli’s side looking to stretch every defense that they face in their encounters. While Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez will look to run at the centre backs with great venom, trying to stretch the play out wide. Arturo Vidal’s late runs into the box will cause the Dutch defense a lot of concern if they aren’t able to counter the relentless Chilean pressing off the ball.
Defenders: (edited version)
Van Gaal is expected to go with a make shift lineup owing to Bruno Martins Indi’s concussion, which he suffered during the 3-2 win against Australia. The defender missed out on the final training session yesterday and it is unlikely that van Gaal will take the risk. With Martins Indi out, expect the Dutch to line-up in a modified 4-4-2 setup with Daley Blind and Daryl Janmaat continuing in the full back roles, while Stefan De Vrij and Ron Vlaar will don the centre back roles.
Midfield:
Jonathan De Guzman and Nigel De Jong have a tough task to contain the Chilean midfield which has looked quite tactically flexible in both of their opening encounters. Both the deep lying midfielders will need to hold fort right in front of the defense, encouraging the wingbacks to barge forward at every opportunity to counter the narrow Chilean organization at the back. Memphis Depay, who eventually replaced Martins Indi in the second half is expected to keep his place in the side. The PSV midfielder put on a valiant display against the socceroos and managed to score the winning goal for the Orange.
Strikeforce:
Robin Van Persie will have to sit out of this one having received two yellow cards in the previous two games. The Red Devils star will be replaced with the impressive Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar along side Arjen Robben beside him in the attacking third.
(We apologize for the mistake in the headline, it has been found and changed. Robin Van Persie is suspended for this game after receiving two yellow cards in the first two group games)