FIFA World Cup 2014 Match Preview: Netherlands v/s Chile

Both Netherlands and Chile are already assured of a place in the round of 16 but the loser of this match will face the winner of Group A, most likely Brazil. With both teams having already qualified for the knockout stage, there have been questions asked about whether the respective coaches will be tempted by the possibility of rotation. But Louis van Gaal and Jorge Sampaoli are likely to name their best available lineups in the bid to avoid Brazil in the next round.

AFP

Van Gaal is forced into at least two changes due to the suspension of Robin van Persie following successive yellow cards and the concussion to Bruno Martins Indi that has seen the Feyenoord defender sit out training in recent days. The 22-year-old trained on an exercise bike Friday, but is unlikely to be rushed given the Dutch’s qualification is already secured. While Memphis Depay is highly likely to start in Van Persie’s absence, Van Gaal has more than one option when it comes to replacing Martins Indi.

AFP

A switch to 4-3-3 could see Klaas-Jan Huntelaar start, but persistence with a back three will open the door to Joel Veltman or Terence Kongolo. Sampaoli may be left sweating over the fitness of Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz. Both missed training Friday, with Carlos Carmona on standby to take one of the spots that may become available.

AFP

Both these sides have scored in the first halves of their games so far in this tournament and they are two of the most attack-minded teams competing in Brazil. Defensively they are also not the most solid, meaning we should definitely get goals at both ends. The tempo at which they play means it is likely to be a quick start to the game and backing both teams to score in the opening 45 minutes is a logical selection at an un-missable price.

AFP

Fact File:

This will be the second ever meeting between these sides. Netherlands won the last meeting on penalties after drawing 2-2 during the 1928 Olympic tournament.

The Netherlands have failed to win their two games against South American opposition when the World Cup has been held in South America (0-0 v Peru and 1-3 v Argentina in 1978).

The Netherlands have lost only two of their 11 World Cup games against South American opposition: the 1978 final against Argentina (1-3 after extra-time) and the 1994 quarter-final against Brazil (2-3).

The Dutch have won three of the last four World Cup games in which they’ve gone behind.

AFP

Chile have won four of their last six World Cup games after failing to win any of their preceding 13.

Chile have won only two of their last 11 World Cup clashes with European opposition.

Netherlands are attempting to take nine points from the group stage for the second World Cup in a row.

Netherlands have not lost a World Cup group game since 1994.

Chile have never won three successive World Cup games within the same tournament. 

For LIVE updates on the Netherlands v/s Chile match, Click Here.