Netherlands vs Chile: What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

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2014 FIFA World Cup Group B: Netherlands vs Chile

With defending champions Spain already out of the tournament after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Netherlands and Chile, both the teams have ensured their advancement to the next stage of the tournament. Their final fixture tonight will, however, determine their position in the group.

As things stand, the Dutch sit atop the pile by virtue of having a superior goal difference, meaning Chile have no reason to be restrained in their final group outing.

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Venue

Arena Corinthians, São Paulo (Overall capacity: 62,601)

Kickoff

9:30 pm (IST)

1:00 pm (Local time)

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Predicted Starting Line ups

Netherlands (4-3-3): Jasper Cillessen; Daley Blind, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat; Jonathan de Guzmán, Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder; Memphis Depay, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben.

Center-back Bruno Martins Indi is unlikely to make it to the starting XI after he was left badly hurt following a collision with defender Tim Cahill during their 3-2 win over Australia. Skipper Robin van Persie will also have sit out of the match due to suspension. Klass-Jan Huntelaar will be looking to make the most out of this situation, and looks like the probable replacement for the Manchester United striker.

Chile (3-4-1-2): Claudio Bravo; Gonzalo Jara, Gary Medel, Francisco Silva; Eugenio Mena, Marcelo Díaz, Charles Aránguiz, Mauricio Isla; Arturo Vidal; Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sánchez.

Juventus midfielder Aurturo Vidal is expected to lead the midfield line for Chile despite his back pain, and his influence on the pitch will be crucial. Mauricio Isla has also been struggling with a hamstring problem, but will most likely make it to the starting eleven after his medical scan judged him fit to play.

It will be, however, interesting to see whether head coach Jorge Sampaoli starts a back with three or four defenders, given the attacking prowess of the Dutch forwards.

Predicted Starting XI [Created using ShareMyTactics]

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Key Stats

• The two nations will be facing each other for the second time in the history, Netherlands having won the first match during the 1928 Olympic tournament by the drawing of lots method after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
• The Oranje have not lost a single group stage match in the FIFA World Cup since 1994.
• Chile, who have won two of their group stage matches, have never actually won three successive matches in a single World Cup tournament.

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Key Battles

Alexis Sánchez vs Daley Blind

Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez has been having a stunning tournament with brilliant displays during Chile’s 3-1 win over Australia, followed by yet another match-winning performance against Spain. His encounter against Netherlands’ Daley Blind will be one of the highlights of the match, as the latter will be looking to contain the fast-paced winger on the right flank of the pitch.

Alexis Sanchez will be a key player for Chile

Arjen Robben vs Gary Medel

On his day, Netherlands’ Arjen Robben could give Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo a run for their money, and he remains to be the Oranje’s biggest attacking threat, having already terrorised defending champions Spain with a brace. Chile will be relying on Gary Medel to neutralize the Bayern Munich winger’s attacking threat, as he will most likely be sitting on the right side of the three men defensive line.

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Prediction

It will be a tight encounter between the two teams, and whoever emerges victorious at the end of the match will win the group, thus avoiding the chances of facing Brazil in the Round of 16, or whoever tops Group A.

Predicted score-line: Netherlands 2-1 Chile

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Match Officials

• Referee: Bakary Gassama (GAM)
• Assistant Referee 1: Evarist Menkouande (CMR)
• Assistant Referee 2: Felicien Kabanda (RWA)
• Fourth official: Joel Aguilar (SLV)