FIFA World Cup Quarter-final Preview: Brazil Vs Holland

Article by Suresh Iyer

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth is the venue of the 1st quarter-ultimate amongst Brazil and Holland on Friday.

This is a contest amongst perennial favourites, and perennial underachievers. Nonetheless, under their coach, Dunga, 5-time winners, Brazil, are a extremely different squad from the ones we have noticed in past Entire world Cups.

Holland registered but yet another regimen win against Slovakia, in the spherical of sixteen, right after a clean sweep of their group E matches, in which they got the better of Denmark, Cameroon and Japan. But in contrast to the group matches, in which Holland had been well short of the sort they shown in the qualification matches, the Slovakia match was a a single sided affair, with the scoreline not revealing the ease with which the Dutchmen played. Arjen Robben returned from injuries, and his presence can be summed up by the post match Slovakian response — they have been said to be “stunned by his genius”. An 18th moment target by the Bayern Munich star put the Dutch forward. They favourites Sneijder shut out the match in the 84th moment, with a 2nd strike, Slovakia’s damage time penalty converted by Vattek was inadequate consolation in a game that was in no way in their grasp.

Holland have been great in patches. They have not been practically as innovative as anticipated, and that could be attributed, amid other good reasons, to the timing of the tournament, coming as it does at the stop of the club period, when most gamers are put in, or nursing niggling injuries.

Can the Dutch defence hold up to a sturdy attack like Brazil’s? Skipper Bronckhorst on the wrong side of thirty may well find the heading a tiny as well fast for comfort versus Kaka and Robinho. The Dutch will depend heavily on midfield safety to the back four from Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong. On the other side, each rival defender really should dread the prospect of dealing with up to the Dutch assault spearheaded by Wesley Snejder and Arjen Robben.

Brazil cruised by way of their group matches, barring short moments of discomfort in opposition to North Korea, a match they sooner or later won convincingly. The Samba boys arrived into their own versus Ivory Coast, and literally toyed with the African side’s defence, in a three-one shut out. They rested their principal players for their 3rd match towards Portugal, and no thanks to Portugal’s incredibly unfavorable strategy to the game, played out a goalless draw. Brazil faced Chile in their spherical of 16 match. Chile had come through enjoying with positive flair, and were anticipated to set up a battle. In the occasion, Brazil crushed their fellow South Us residents in a method that left no doubt as to the potency of this Brazilian squad. Defender Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho scored one particular every in the 3- rout.

Apart from Fabiano, Robinho, Kaka and Elano at the best of their game, in Maicon and Michel Bastos, Brazil have defenders who can hunt with the hounds if necessary. The Dutch may go be effectively suggested to opt for a defensive game program, mastering from Portugal. Elano is likely to skip out, owing to damage, but Brazil could get the companies of Filipe Melo, recovered from his personal injuries. But Ramires’ absence owing to suspension is probable to hurt Brazil.

Holland’s fortunes in this match will hinge on the contest among Arjen Robben and. Michel Bastos. Apart from the Portugal assault led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil’s total-back Bastos is but to be stretched at this World Cup. Another crucial contest will feature Kaka dn Bronckhorst. Bronckhort’s 35 years could weigh heavily on his feet as he will take on Kaka’s speed and guile.

The Dutch are probably to go with Robben soon after his showing in opposition to Slovakia, despite the fact that he is however to recover entirely from injuries. Khalid Boulahrouz could replace Van der Wiel, as Holland might want experience to counter Robinho. Boulahrouz also gives the Dutch an attacking option. Kuyt could be left winger with Robben on the right flank.

For Brazil Nilmar could guy the right wing, to counter the Dutch assault. Alves and Robinho could transform positions, to give greater protective cover to Bastos in the encounter of Robben’s risk.

Kleberson could get a glimpse in, in Ramires’ absence, to accompany Gilberto inmidfield. Robinho and Kaka will regulate their positions according to the situation. Luis Fabiano will be the Brazil spearhead, and will glimpse to strengthen his claim on the Golden Boot award.

Equally are evenly matched teams that play with flair and will make for a great contest. Hard to choose a winner, but I will plump for Brazil.

About the Writer

For the newest sports gossip and news you will not discover anywhere else on the Net, and to download a No cost E-book on the 2010 FIFA Planet Cup, click http://www.cricinfosite.com

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports activities fan and blogger.