Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Netherlands vs Mexico | Wednesday 12 November | Amsterdam ArenA | 21:30
The Round of 16 clash in Fortaleza at this year’s World Cup was among the most dramatic of the entire tournament, culminating in that controversial penalty won by the fleet footed (yet oftentimes balance stricken) Arjen Robben. So there is certainly a touch of vengeance in the air for Miguel Herrera and his side. Additionally, Guus Hiddink’s Netherlands side lie third in their European qualifying group, and while an expanded Euros should see them ultimately qualify for the tournament, a performance of substance in this friendly match could go a long way in re-establishing their ailing confidence. So, while this is only a friendly, it is perhaps as significant a friendly as one is likely to find.
To Win (90mins)
Netherlands 8/10
Draw 24/10
Mexico 32/10
Netherlands
It would be fair to say that the Netherlands have been rather disappointing in the wake of a hugely encouraging World Cup. Guus Hiddink now resumes the stereotypically patriarchal Dutch coaching role left by Louis Van Gaal, and he has had to adapt to the certain tactical demands of following in Van Gaal’s footsteps. He seems eager to continue utilising Van Gaal’s highly successful defensive formation, but is perhaps struggling to deal with motivating a group of players deeply embroiled in their own domestic sagas.
Robin Van Persie has yet to really hit his straps for club or country thus far this season while teammate Daley Blind has yet to fully integrate himself into the United set-up. I believe this to be Hiddink’s greatest obstacle, trying to amalgamate his side amidst the turbulence of adaptation. Arjen Robben is in venerable form and will pose a constant threat to the Mexicans, but I worry about the legs of Galatasaray man Wesley Sneijder. I also feel that their defensive three, as strong as they were at the World Cup, may struggle with the pace and skill of Vela and Dos Santos.
Mexico
Miguel Herrera’s side had every right to be dismayed by Rafael Marquez’s ignominious exit from international football. The penalty he conceded was soft at best, and obscured what was an excellent team performance by the indefatigable Mexicans. They have the returning Vela in their side, which will come as a welcome boost to their attacking options. The Real Sociedad man is in excellent form and in many ways is one of the great untapped talents of his generation. He has not played for the international side since 2011 due to injury and a number of disputes with the Mexican football federation, but is a truly world-class talent.
Javier Hernandez has had precious little game time for titanic Real Madrid this year, but has impressed whenever given the opportunity and he has an excellent goal ratio for Mexico. Giovanni Dos Santos will look to get behind the Dutch back three, while veteran midfielder Guardado adds bite to midfield as well as the experience of playing for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. The Mexican midfield is inexhaustible and will wear down the Dutch, leading to opportunities for the exhilarating pace and skill of Vela and Dos Santos – notwithstanding the renowned predatory prowess of Hernandez.
VERDICT: Mexico 32/10
This may seem like an off-centre decision, but I believe there will be a ‘shock’ away win in Amsterdam. There will be more head scratching for Hiddink as he struggles with continuing the Van Gaal legacy.
