Netherlands vs Mexico - Competition: World Cup – Round of 16
The Netherlands
are one of the big surprises at this World Cup 2014 in Brazil. They won
all of their three group stage games, including the crazy 5:1 defeat of
the soon ex-World Champion Spain. But they managed to stay concentrated
and focused and beat Australia in a tough battle with 3:2 and in the
end won 2:0 against Chile. Many expected Chile to become the number 1 in
Group B after Spain was defeated. But the Netherlands had Robben, who
now seems to be the best player in Brazil so far. But a loss in the next
round and none of this is worth anything anymore. Mexico will have the
support from the home crowd. But the Netherlands are glad that Robin van
Persie will be back after his suspension. Van Persie and Arjen Robben
could again become the key players. Leroy Fer who scored the second goal
against Chile will miss due to an injury. He would even miss a possible
quarter final.
The Mexican team was not the big favourite in
Group A. There were Brazil and Croatia who were assumed to reach the
round of 16. But in the end Mexico finished with two wins and one draw
on the second position with seven points on their side, just as much as
Brazil had in the end. They were massively supported by the crowds.
Against the Netherlands in the next game they will probably have the
advantage of playing “at home”. But it won’t become easy, Oranje is
strong, especially their offensive with Sneijder, Robben and Van Persie.
They might have the better offensive with a scoring of 10 goals so far.
Mexico in contradiction only scored 4 times. But their defence is this
tournaments showpiece. Brazil was desperately trying to score against
Mexico but in the end had no chance against goalkeeper Ochoa. José
Vázquez will miss this next battle because of a second yellow card.
Netherlands vs Mexico Possible Lineups:
Netherlands Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Cillessen – Janmaat – Blind – Vlaar – Wijnaldum – De Vrij – De Jong – De Guzman – Sneijder – Robben – Van Persie.
Mexico Starting XI (5-3-2): Ochoa – Layun – Moreno – Aguilar – Marquez – Rodriguez – Herrera – M. Fabian – Guardado – Gio dos Santos – Peralta.
Netherlands Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Cillessen – Janmaat – Blind – Vlaar – Wijnaldum – De Vrij – De Jong – De Guzman – Sneijder – Robben – Van Persie.
Mexico Starting XI (5-3-2): Ochoa – Layun – Moreno – Aguilar – Marquez – Rodriguez – Herrera – M. Fabian – Guardado – Gio dos Santos – Peralta.
Match Date: Sunday, 29 June
Kick Off Time: 13:00 Local / 17:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil
Kick Off Time: 13:00 Local / 17:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil
