'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAoAAAAFCAMAAAE8vb3MAAAAXVBMVEX////z0Wj3xaO5z8env6f9173x8/vz8/XNy8v/+/f9///n3Zn3q3ils6H7+fmpnZePem73v5nBw6X98eedu5PLzc+jwY//3XS9z8X75dXt7/m1vbH19fXrx3b///2wrvwEAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAOklEQVQImR3JWQJAIAAA0UGFRNZo0f2PmcznG0g4ePhTjO2ERXMuYLhjhtDVtUndvMzrB/5A7AxXXwA1jgH6XJ7RvgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The second Matchday of the round of 16 phase sees Netherlands take on Mexico in what will be an enthralling encounter at the Fortaleza. The Oranje will be boosted by the return of their star striker Van Persie while Arjen Robben, who has been one of the best players of the tournament so far, will be looking to make his mark in the knockout phases as well. Mexico come into this game on the back of two clean sheets which makes a strong case about their well organised defence. They will also be banking on the pacey attacking duo of Peralta and Dos Santos to see them past the Dutch defence . With a quarter-finals spot up for grabs, both teams will be looking to take a step further towards the ultimate glory.
Trending
Venue
Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Estadio Castelao is one the biggest stadium in the country boasting a capacity of 60,000. The stadium had previously hosted 4 group stage matches. Surprisingly all the four matches saw upsets. Costa Rica defeated Uruguay, Ghana and Mexico snatched points from favourites, Germany and Brazil and Greece defeated Ivory Coast to qualify to the round of 16. So will this ground witness yet another upset?
Kickoff Time
June 29 – 9.30 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST)*
June 29 – 13.00 pm - Local Time
Possible Starting Line ups
Robin van Persie is back in the squad after a one match suspension. His inclusion will be a great boost to the Dutch side. Also Bruno Martins Indi will be included in the starting XI. The center back missed the last group game against Chile due to an injury.
Netherlands (5-3-2): Cillessen; Janmaat, Vrij, Vlaar, Indi, Blind; de Jong, Guzman; Sneijder, van Persie, Robben.
Mexico manager Miguel Herrera, had announced that he would make only one change in the starting XI. Carlos Salcido makes his way to the team replacing Jose Juan Vasquez who will be unavailable due to suspension.
Mexico (5-4-1): Ochoa; Aguilar, Moreno, Marquez, Rodriguez, Layun; Guardado, Salcido, Herrera, Dos Santos; Peralta.
Key Facts
- - Mexico have lost three and drawn one of their last four encounters with the Netherlands, conceding at least two goals on each of these occasions.
- The only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides came in 1998 (group stage), when Mexico came from 0-2 down with 15 minutes remaining to draw 2-2.
- Mexico have been knocked out of the World Cup finals at the second round stage in all five editions since 1994.
- Netherlands have won nine of their last 10 World Cup matches, with the only blip in this run being their 2010 final defeat against Spain.
- Mexico have scored a goal in each of their last 11 World Cup matches against European nations, losing just two of these games (W4 D5 L2).
- 10 of the last 12 World Cup goals scored by Mexico have come after halftime, while the Netherlands have scored eight of their last nine World Cup goals in the second half.
- The Dutch attempted 23 shots on target in the group stages; nine more than any other side in Group B managed.
- Mexico attempted 28 shots in their opening three games at the 2014 World Cup, fewer than any other Group A side.
Key Battles
Arjen Robben vs Rafael Marquez
Arjen Robben, leader of the Netherlands’ attack has already made it clear that he is one of the strong contenders of winning this year’s golden ball. He is in a form of his life. He has become a nightmare for the opponent defenders. In today’s Mexico’s captain Rafael Marquez will be in charge of taming Arjen Robben.
The Dutch attack vs Guillermo Ochoa
I agree that this might be a little demeaning for the Mexican attackers, but we have to accept the fact that the fate of this match will depend upon their custodian’s grit. Ochoa has already proved that he is one of the best goalkeepers in this year’s World Cup, when he had single-handedly stopped Brazil from scoring any goal in their second round game. This time round it will be Ochoa’s biggest test as he will be facing an attack force who are in a devastating form.
Prediction
The Oranje brigade should win this game with ease and qualify to the next round. Even though this World Cup has witnessed many upsets, the Dutchmen should go past the Mexicans considering the fact that they are in a sublime form.
Predicted Score-line: NETHERLANDS 2-0 MEXICO
Match Officials
On-field Referee: PEDRO PROENCA (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: BERTINO MIRANDA (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: JOSE TRIGO (POR)
Fourth Official: CARLOS VERA (ECU)
