Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Netherlands vs Chile | Monday 23 June | Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo | 18:00
Spain’s ignominious display at this year’s World Cup has rendered this so called tight group something of a damp squib. However, what could be seen as a procession between two safely qualified sides soon alters when one considers the eminent threat of Brazil. Brazil have yet to shine as pre-tournament favorites, but it is still likely that the iconic South American giants will top their group and set up an enormous task for the second-placed side here to overcome. Chile have looked every bit as energised and organised as their pre-tournament billing suggested, with blistering counterattacks punctuated by moments of almost telepathic interplay. The Dutch have surpassed most pre-tournament expectations, resurrecting the “Total Football” principles championed by the era of Johan Cruyff. This should be a scintillating litmus test for both side’s deeper ambitions.
To Win (90mins)
Netherlands 15/10
Draw 9/4
Chile 18/10
Netherlands
The Dutch were anything but boring against Australia, managing to survive a proper scare and secure their spot in the next round. It came at a cost however, with Robin Van Persie’s petulant hand to Spiranovic’s face earning him a second booking that will see him miss this fixture. Klaas Van Huntelaar was a goalscoring revelation for the Dutch side during qualification and will be an able replacement for the captain. Bruno Martins Indi seemed to receive quite a nasty injury following a clash with Tim Cahill, which may force a reshuffle for Louis Van Gaal, perhaps seeing Veltman fitting in.
He will probably stick with his 3-5-2 system, especially considering the way Chile rotate possession fluidly. De Guzman and De Jong will have their work cut out against the likes of Sanchez and Vidal, whose movement is far more aggressive than the staccato Spanish side. Sneijder will also be tested more, being forced to track back against a dynamic Chilean side. Robben will prove critical, with his Inspector Gadget acceleration providing much of the Netherlands’ attacking impetus. Daley Blind and Daryl Janmaat will also have a tough night on their hands, as Chile go in with a possibly more settled side.
Chile
Jorge Sampaoli’s side have emerged as a powerful dark horse in this year’s tournament, exacerbating the powerful South American presence in this year’s reckoning. They managed to oversee the end of an era with Spain, playing the role of Brutus to Caesar with consummate ease. Alexis Sanchez has been excellent, while Arturo Vidal has managed to incrementally regain his fitness and become a force in midfield. Aranguiz was inspired against Spain, while Vargas came in for Valdivia without the side so much as missing a beat. Perhaps that is the greatest strength of this current Chilean side, the fluidity and interchangeability with which they play. Sampaoli has tempered the base attacking instincts of his side with a stygian work ethic, undermining the stereotypically wildcard facet of Chilean football.
Claudio Bravo is an extremely athletic goalkeeper and he will no doubt have more work to do against this direct Dutch side than he did against the former kings of superfluity; Spain. Medal, Isla and Diaz offer bite in both defence and midfield which allows the more mercurial talents of Sanchez and Vidal to break forth with pace. Knowing the way that Spain bosses possession, Sampaoli brought in the more defensive minded Vargas to shore up midfield at the expense of Valdivia. I expect him to revert to his template from the Australia game, probably feeling that they can dominate possession against a side that predominantly attack on the counter.
VERDICT: Chile 18/10
The Dutch have some injury concerns, as well as the suspension of Van Persie, while the Chilean side are rolling on a mass wave of South American euphoria. I expect the Dutch to attempt to strangle the game, hitting on the counterattack, knowing that a draw will see them through on goal difference. However, the fact that both sides have already qualified will probably give the fearless giant-killing instinct in Chile further impetus, and I fully expect Chile to win what could be a thrilling encounter.
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