A game nobody wanted to play. The 3rd-4th playoff.
Brazil have faced Netherlands 11 times, with 5 draws and 3 win apiece.
Louis van Gaal said this game has nothing to do with sports and he has been campaigning against it for a while now. That being said, it is a football game and he will try his best to win it.
Luis Felipe Scolari on the other hand, was trying to recover from the demolition and would try to give his nation something to cheer. Continue reading
The game was arguably one of the most one sided during the previews. The verdict? Netherlands were clear favourites and would trample Costa Rica. That being said, the game was Netherlands’ to lose, as Costa Rica had achieved plenty already and if they were to go home tonight, they could do so with their heads held high. Wesley Sneijder made his 16th appearance at a World Cup Finals, a Dutch record. Memphis Depay earned a start and for Costa Rica, suspended Duarte was replaced by Acosta. Continue reading
Winners of Group A vs Group C. Brazil vs Colombia. We just couldn’t pick from between the two sides. Neymar vs James. Cesar vs Ospina. This would be anything but a stultifying encounter.
The first period saw Brazil’s Jogo Bonito in full flow, as they exuded class and were simply too good for Jose Pekerman’s side. 7 minutes in, Brazil won a corner after some industrious work by Fernandinho. The corner was delivered through the center and went past a throng of bodies only for Brazil’s El Capitano to help the ball into the back of the net. Dismal defending from Carlos Sanchez and it wasn’t one of the most elegant finishes, but in this case, ends justify the means. What mattered was that Brazil had the lead. Fortaleza was rampant, loud and robust. Continue reading
The Group B winners versus the Group A runners-up. Netherlands vs Mexico. The Dutch were favourites but Mexico were in with a shout in this game and they had proved to a team that must not be underestimated. Mexico had made it to the R/16 in their previous 7 appearances, but had not made it past the second round in their last 5. Louis Van Gaal welcomed back Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt earned his 100th cap, but the most notable news was that Daryl Janmaat, who has been the Oranje’s most consistent player, was dropped in favour of Verhaeg. For the Mexicans, Calcido made his 122nd appearance. Fortaleza was pumping, but the blistering heat would make it difficult for both teams, more so the Europeans. Continue reading
The second round of matches were underway in Group B and we had the Netherlands, who had successfully dismantled Spain, versus Australia, who’s World Cup survival was on the brink. If Netherlands would win, they had more or less qualified, and Australia winning, seemed unlikely although they had never lost to the Netherlands with a record of 1 win and 2 draws.
The score was Australia 2 – 3 Netherlands at Porto Alegre, and Australia became the first nation to be knocked out of the World Cup Finals. If you were just seeing the scoreline, you would think, “Hmm, routine victory for Netherlands, but how did they concede 2 goals?” The answer is, it could’ve been worse than 2 goals and Australia seemed the superior side. It was a hard fought victory, with Netherlands’ experience and depth in squad being the key factors. Continue reading
So, Game 3 of the World Cup and the first in Group B. This was definitely one of the most anticipated matches of tournaments ever since the draws were out. The finalists of the previous World Cup in an exciting match up. Spain versus Holland. La Furia Roja against the Oranje. Netherlands were the first team to qualify for Brazil notching up an impressive 9 wins and 1 draw in a not so impressive group and they looked an entirely new squad under future Manchester United gaffer Louis Van Gaal, who is known for his attacking outlook. Ever since Johan Cyruff and Co. The Netherlands are known for their attacking style of play but had come under heavy criticism for their negative play in the finals last time. This time out with Rafael Van Der Vaart and Kevin Strootman missing, it was going to be really tough for the Flying Dutchmen. Their opponents? Spain. DOUBLE EURO winners, holders of the World Cup and world number 1, they are known for their tiki-taka game. With a Diego Costa in their frontline, Spain are formidable opponents and favourites to top Group B.
It was a tale of sweet revenge for Holland, something nobody could’ve ever seen coming. It was a five star performance by the Dutch as they went on to win by 5 goals to 1. Honestly, it could’ve been worse.
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