This is a clash between the team that scored the highest number of goals in the group stages and the Central American team that managed to shut Neymar and co out in their own group. With Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie in sizzling form, the Dutch breezed past their group, scoring ten goals in three matches- half of those coming against current World Champions Spain. Mexico, on their part conceded just one goal in their three group matches and will be buoyed by the incredible form of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
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Mexico, led by energetic National Team coach Miguel Herrera played out a highly encouraging 0-0 draw against hosts Brazil in their second group game. Prior to this, El Tricolor had defeated Cameroon 1-0 in a game that was far more one-sided than the score line suggests. The Central Americans then wrapped up qualification for the Round of 16 after scoring three goals in the second half in a 3-1 win over fellow contenders Croatia. Mexico have been dumped out of the Round of 16 in the past four World Cups but with the support of 50,000 travelling fans, El Tricolor could reach their first quarter finals away from home with a win against the Netherlands in Fortaleza.
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For Louis van Gaal, he has got the Netherlands playing some of their best football in recent times on his return to the national team. In this first stint in charge, Holland failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup but this time around, they qualified in style, scoring the second highest number of goals throughout qualification with 34 and giving up just five. Coming into the World Cup, Dutch fans were backing their team to go far but their performance in a tough group has prompted even greater hope back home that perhaps, this team can erase the pain of losing to Spain in the finals four years ago. Already, revenge has been served to the Spanish as Louis van Gaal’s men absolutely demolished Spain in a 5-1 rout to open their World Cup campaign. A 3-2 victory over Australia followed, with both Robben and Van Persie scoring again following their braces against Spain. The Orange rounded up the group with a 2-0 win over South American side Chile.
TEAM NEWS
Robin van Persie will return to the starting lineup after missing the final group game due to suspension but defender Bruno Martins Indi remains a doubt after suffering concussion against Australia.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera will be without Jose Juan Vasquez, who is missing through suspension with former Fulham defender Carlos Salcido expected to take his place.
Probable Lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3): Cillessen; Blind, De Vrij, Vlaar, Janmaat; De Jong, De Guzman, Sneidjer; Depay, Van Persie, Robben
Mexico (4-3-3): Ochoa; Aguilar, Layun, Marquez, Rodriguez; Salcido, Moreno, Herrera; Guardado, Peralta, Dos Santos
PREDICTION
I anticipate a highly exciting match here between two teams that know how to build from the strength of their backline. As long as the Netherlands don’t score early, this should be a close match but if they do, the floodgates might open.
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