The penultimate game of the 2014 World Cup gets underway this evening as hosts Brazil prepare to take on Holland in the third/fourth place play off. Humiliated by Germany in midweek, Phil Scolari’s side have the chance to salvage some pride in the 9pm kick-off, whilst Louis Van Gaal will be equally determined to end his stint at the Dutch helm in style before taking over at Manchester United:
Brazil: Cesar; Maicon, Silva, Luiz, Maxwell; Paulinho, Gustavo; Ramires, Oscar, Willian; Jo
Holland: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi; Kuyt, Clasie, Wijnaldum, Blind; Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben
Scolari wields the axe on the back of Tuesday’s 7-1 drubbing, making as many as six changes to his starting line-up. In defence, Thiago Silva is free from suspension and takes the place of Dante at centre-half, whilst Maxwell replaces Marcelo at left-back. Further up the pitch, Paulinho, Ramires, Willian and Jo get a chance to impress, with Fernandinho, Bernard, Hulk and Fred all dropped after disappointing displays last time around. With Neymar sidelined through injury, David Luiz and Oscar carry the main attacking threat for the hosts – both have found the net twice so far, with the latter also delivering a pair of assists.
Somewhat surprisingly, Van Gaal resists the temptation to freshen up his side after an energy-sapping 120 minutes against Argentina on Wednesday night produced a single shot on target. The Dutch boss make just two alterations, as Jordy Clasie and Jonathan de Guzman come in for Wesley Sniejder and the injured Nigel de Jong in central midfield, whilst Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie lead the line in a 3-4-1-2 formation once again. Neither player has scored since Matchday 2 but the duo will be looking to finish the tournament on a high against the hosts’ porous backline – bearing in mind the United man failed to register a single attempt against the South Americans, his Fantasy owners are desperate for an improvement.
