PREVIEW: Netherlands juggernaut looking to oust Mexico

If there weren’t expectations surrounding the Netherlands before the tournament began, we are certainly in a different world now.  Such was the success of their group stage performances under Louis van Gaal and the impressive way the Netherlands have thrived in the 5-3-2, that many are now tipping them to make a run to the final, with really only a potential semi-final against Argentina standing in their way for another bite at the World Cup apple.

Super-sub Memphis Depay (in orange) will be a massive threat to Mexico in the second half. He’s been brilliant for the Netherlands this summer in that role.

Yes the Netherlands have been impressive throughout, but it’s been the individual brilliant play of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Daley Blind and Memphis Depay that has been the key ingredient in their vaunted counter attack.  Ruthlessly dispatching Spain was the warning sign that those who are in their side of the bracket must heed.  Yes Spain crashed out of the tournament, but it was the efficiency with which the Netherlands dealt with them in the final third that must make Mexico boss Miguel Herrera stand up and take notice.

If it’s one thing Mexico must avoid, it’s pulling an Uruguay, and by that I mean their performance yesterday against Colombia.  Yes Colombia have been one of the best attacking sides in Brazil thus far, but Uruguay’s overly defensive posture in the match is what cost them.  Regardless of the fact that they were without Suarez, they still had enough quality to give Colombia a moment of pause but optioned to sit back in a bunker, which left them with no attacking outlet that threatened.

Guillermo Ochoa and Rafa Maquez have been brilliant fo Mexico, who have only allowed one goal in the tournament thus far. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Mexico have been one of the best defensive sides in the tournament, only allowing one goal in a group that had Brazil and Croatia in it.  The brilliant play of Guillermo Ochoa is worth noting in that equation as well, but the most important aspect of Mexico’s deployment has been their ability to break quickly and counter even when they do operate a little deeper.  As long as Miguel Herrera keeps faith in his players and the system, Mexico could well surprise.

We can talk about Giovanni Dos Santon and Andres Guardado as much as we like, but Oribe Peralta’s presence in the box is another aspect to Mexico’s attack that could give the Netherlands issues.

"Projected Starting XI’sNetherlands: Cillessen; Kuyt, Blind, Vlaar, de Vrij, Verhaegh; de Jong, Wijnaldum; Sneijder; van Persie, RobbenMexico: Ochoa; Layun, Moreno, Marquez, Rodriguez, Aguilar; Guarado, Herrera, Vazquez; Dos Santos, Peralta"

Key’s for the Netherlands:

– Probably the biggest factor; the weather.  This will be a midday match in Fortaleza and it’s going to be brutally hot, which is something that is a massive advantage for Mexico.  As such, the Netherlands must be efficient in their expenditure of energy.  If they come out too hard too fast, their efforts on the pitch could well putter out before the 60th minute, and Mexico have been so good late on in matches.

– Keep relying on Robben – Apart from Messi and James Rodriguez, he’s been the best player at the tournament.  Simply out, this is one of those instances where you rid the hot hand (or in this case, foot) for as far as it’s willing to take you.  Robben has been at his brilliant best, which has further helped to get the best out of RvP as well.  Keep calm and Arjen.

– DO…NOT…GET…CAUGHT…ON…THE…COUNTER – Mexico have been brilliant with their quick counter attacks this summer, and given the expected weather conditions, if the Netherlands is caught too far up the pitch in the second half, Mexico could have a field day.

Key’s for Mexico:

– Simple; Patience.  They have 90minutes to cause an upset, and those 90minutes will be played in conditions that suit them, especially the longer they continue.  Defend well, take your chances when you create them and they could well cause a shock at the end of full-time.

– Keep the faith in Dos Santos – Much like Robben for the Netherlands, Dos Santos has been their most inspired player this summer.  It will be hard goings at times, but Dos Santos loves to be direct and expressive, and once again, given the potential tired legs due to conditions, he could run riot if left unchecked.  Also, the more he is taken off the leash, the more space for Peralta and Guaradado to have a say in proceedings as well.

– Keeping the shackles on Wesley Sneijder – Sneijder has had a relatively disappointing World Cup in truth, and while RvP, Robben and others have done brilliantly in the final third, but Sneijder is suppose to be the creative hub in the side.  There is no telling how much longer the Netherlands will be able to thrive without him, but it is still rather sensible to lock him down regardless.

Key Battles:

– Herrera v Robben – Robben will be deployed along side RvP as usual, but he does enjoy coming deeper to get the ball, as such, Herrera must stop Robben in those deeper areas before he picks up ahead of steam.  We have seen time and again from Robben what he can do when he truly gets going, and despite the brilliant play of Marquez this summer, Mexico won’t be able to stop him.

– Aguilar v Kuyt – With Louis van Gaal preferring to shake the back line up and deploy Kuyt on the left, this is the perfect opportunity for Aguilar to get forward when he can and exploit Kuyt for his lack of pace.  It’s true that No one works harder than Kuyt, but hard work can only mask aging legs but so much.

– de Jong v Guardado – Dos Santos has been the talisman for Mexico, but the man behind him has been equally as influential this summer.  Normally on the wing or at wing-back, Guardado has found a happy new hope in central midfield being the second source of creativity.  Not only can he pull strings, but he has a fantastic left foot from distance – de Jong must do what de Jong does best (no, not kick him in the chest) and shut down the midfield with his no-holds-bard physical influence to keep Guardado quiet.

it may well take another key bit of finishing from Robin van Persie to see the Netherlands through to the quarterfinals

"Match PredictionThis one is more difficult to call than I first thought.  Mexico showed against both Brazil and Croatia that they are not to be taken lightly.  Herrera has them playing exceptionally well given that they were in complete disarray as a side a year ago.  Despite a lack of illustrious names, they have been rather impressive.  And while no one can claim that the Dutch are not high on the current list of potential favorites, they do have a history riddled with more disappointment than success.  LvG has been getting the absolute best out of them however, and if they can deal with the weather conditions well enough, their quality should be able to rise to the surface.  It should prove to be an incredibly entertaining match and despite the stage being set for an upset, I will go with 2-1 Netherlands."