[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
29 June 2014 3432 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Sunday evening brings us another couple of World Cup fixtures to focus on after the knockout stages got underway last night. Louis Van Gaal’s free-scoring Holland are bidding to join Brazil and Colombia for a place in the last eight but face a tough task in the 5pm kick-off – opponents Mexico conceded just once in the group stages and have already stopped Neymar and co from finding the net:

Holland: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind; Verhaegh, De Jong, Wijnaldum Kuyt; Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben,

Mexico: Ochoa; Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun; Herrera, Salcido, Guardado; Dos Santos, Peralta,

The Dutch welcome back Robin Van Persie from suspension after their skipper served a one-match ban against Chile in the previous match. Van Persie is one of only two changes to the XI that beat the South Americans, with Paul Verhaegh replacing Daryl Janmaat on the right of the midfield four – Dirk Kuyt keeps his place on the opposite flank, with Daley Blind utilised in the back-three once again by Van Gaal. The United striker will be hoping to continue the form that has seen him score in both his appearances thus far, whilst Arjen Robben owners will also have high expectations after the Bayern man served up three goals and an assist over the group stages.

Mexico make just one enforced alteration from the side that won 3-1 against Croatia in the final match of Group A, with former Fulham man Carlos Salcido handed his first start of the tournament. Up front, Giovanni dos Santos will be desperate to open his account for the campaign, whilst his fellow forward Oribe Peralta – along with skipper Rafael Marquez – has already chipped in with a goal and assist over the opening three fixtures.

Later this evening, Costa Rica and Greece go head-to-head after both sides exceeded our expectations to reach the last 16. Jorge Luiz Pinto’s side cannot be underestimated after topping the so-called “Group of Death”, with wins over Uruguay and Italy underpinned by a defensive resilience that has served up two clean sheets in three matches. Pinto is understandably expected to keep faith in a 5-4-1 formation, with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell carrying the main threat further up the pitch.

Despite a last-gasp win over Ivory Coast, Greece have failed to impress. That 2-1 triumph was the only time Fernando Santos’ side found the net in the group stages and, even then, they had to rely upon defensive mistakes from the Africans to make a breakthrough. With a converted spot-kick and assist to his name, Giorgos Samaras has been the main up top for the Greeks – once again, we can expect Santos’ side to keep it tight at the back and look for a goal on the counter.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

3,432 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. THE Wild Rover
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    If at first you don't succeed 😆

    Open Controls
  2. JT's Dog
    12 years, 2 months ago

    So basically don't hit the pen straight at keeper

    Open Controls
  3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Arjen class

    Open Controls
  4. Fifa las vegas
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    It finally pays off for Robben, dive enough times, you'll eventually get one 😉

    Open Controls
  5. VougieDipond
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Robben is a joke

    Open Controls
  6. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Long overdue Netherlands pen.

    Open Controls
  7. The Missing Link
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I hate him

    Open Controls
  8. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Come on have 2-1 bet

    Open Controls
    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I followed when you changed your mind and posted it! 🙂 very small though, but better than nothing I guess

      Open Controls
      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        150 quid... Don't do small bets

        Open Controls
  9. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    huntelaar taking

    Open Controls
    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      yesss

      Open Controls
  10. Sif
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Money on 2-1 and both teams to score with Dutch to win...

    Open Controls
  11. Jack Frost
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Robben trips over an ant.

    Open Controls
  12. Siva Mohan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Hunt to take it!!

    Open Controls
  13. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Huntelaar takes? 😯

    Open Controls
  14. r0nh
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    RVP would have scored this...

    Open Controls
  15. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    hunterlaar takes the pen

    Open Controls
  16. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Penalty Liverpool

    Open Controls
  17. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Huntelaar? So no fantasy points for anyone.

    Open Controls
  18. palace ash
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Goal!!!!!!

    Open Controls
  19. r0nh
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Wide

    Open Controls
  20. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Guardado YC now..FFS

    Open Controls
  21. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I would be worried I'd killed him if I was any defender seeing the way Robben goes down. It was clearly a penalty, why does he feel the meed to act like someone shot him?

    Open Controls
  22. Pilleri
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Guardado extra yellow, not good points there either

    Open Controls
  23. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    😯

    Open Controls
  24. Ginkapo FPL
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Huntelaar (C) 😎

    Open Controls
  25. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Scenes

    Open Controls
  26. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Unlucky Mexico...just like Chile they did well

    Open Controls
  27. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Yeeeeesssssss

    Open Controls
  28. Siva Mohan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Huntelaar scores!!!!!!!!!

    Open Controls
  29. Declan
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Jammiest boys

    Open Controls
  30. emperikal
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Robben assist on FOX?

    Open Controls