Both teams have already booked their places in the Round of 16 but there is still the small matter of deciding the group winners. After the 5-1 humiliation of Spain and the 3-2 victory over Australia, a draw would suffice for the Netherlands to top the group as they have a better goal difference. The group winners should avoid Brazil, who are likely to top group A and will also have an extra day of rest before the Round of 16 match, a scenario Netherlands captain Robin van Persie would like.
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‘I’d really like to play them,’ he said of Brazil, ‘but a little bit later’
The Manchester United striker will be suspended for the match after picking up a couple of yellow cards in the tournament so far but is confident the squad’s other attackers can step up. The Dutch still have Klass Jan Huntelaar who has scored 34 goals in 62 matches for the national team as well as Memphis Depay who came on to supply an assist before scoring the winner against Australia. Then there is Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben who has played more like a striker in the tournament with 3 goals to his name already. This Dutch team can score and Chile would struggle to shut them out.
However, the South Americans can also score and put two past Spain after defeating Australia 3 -1. Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has his charges playing like the Dutch; solid defense, pressing in midfield and quick passes to their potent strike force. Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez and Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal are the star names but the others can play as well, with all five of their goals coming from different players.
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TEAM NEWS
With Bruno Martins Indi suffering slight concussion in the Australia match, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is expected to revert to the traditional Dutch 4-3-3 formation. Winning goal scorer against the Socceroos, Memphis Depay should get the nod on the flanks opposite Arjen Robben. Up front, prolific goal scorer Klaas Jan Huntelaar could replace suspended captain Robin van Persie.
The Chileans could also turn out an under-strength side against the Dutch. Arturo Vidal is still not 100 percent fit and is on a yellow card. More worryingly, the Juventus man has an Achilles tendon problem and missed training on Friday alongside Internacional midfielder Charles Aranguiz who has a minor sprain on his right knee. It remains to be seen if Jorge Sampaoli would risk either man especially Vidal who will miss their Round of 16 match if he picks up another yellow. Atalanta midfielder Carlos Carmona could come in if either of them sits the match out.
Probable Line ups
Netherlands (4-3-3): Cillessen; Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij, Janmaat; De Jong, De Guzman, Sneijder; Depay, Huntelaar, Robben
Chile (3-5-2): Bravo; Jara, Silva, Medel; Mena, Aranguiz, Marcelo Diaz, Vidal, Isla; Vargas, Sanchez
PREDICTION
It goes without saying that this will be both teams’ toughest match yet. Chile are ranked one place above Netherlands in the FIFA rankings and will hope to confirm that superiority. A lot depends on the players that might miss the match and I’m expecting either a draw or a close win for the Dutch.
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