World Cup Round of 16 preview: Netherlands v Mexico

The Netherlands take on Mexico in this Round 16 World Cup clash at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on Monday, June 30, from 2am (AEST).

The Netherlands have defied many experts’ predictions and seemingly cruised through to qualify top of the Group of Death (B).

No team has scored as many goals (10) thus far in the tournament and their star striker Robin Van Persie was responsible for the second best goal. We all know which was the best goal don’t we?

If you are looking for a major upset in the knockout stage then “exit” written next to  Louis Van Gaal’s team would be it.

Despite Mexico only scoring four goals the most pleasing aspect is they have only conceded one goal, putting them equal with only Costa Rica and Belgium.

Their goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been a revelation after putting in an acrobatic clean sheet display against favourites Brazil that still has the football world talking.

Head to head

The Dutch have played Mexico on six occasions with the Oranje narrowly ahead on three wins, Mexico with two and only one draw.

The total goal tally between them is shared at 22, so not much separates the two sides.

Remarkably the head to head record in World Cups stands at one draw, when the teams were pitted against each other in the group stage of France 98. On that day scores were locked at two a piece at the end of 90 minutes.

The big issue

The issue facing Mexico is their ability to contain the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie and stop them riding roughshod over the potential frailties of a tiring El Tri defensive line.

The big positive is they were able to do get the job done against attacking juggernauts Brazil boasting Neymar, Hulk, Fred, and Oscar and a list that goes on like a broken record.

History doesn’t look favourably on Mexico at the World Cup, however, and the record shows they have only progressed past the knockout stage twice in 13 previous attempts.

The game breaker 

It would be silly not to suggest that the class and combination of Van Persie and Robben won’t tear through Mexico like a knife through a soft tortilla.

The reality is the tournament now begins again and knowing it is “do or die” can be a big game changer on the mental state of the remaining teams.

The Netherlands will be at their clinical best, but a surprise packet like Mexico is best avoided for their ability to nullify the rhythm of classy teams. Not to mention they will have huge fan support. 

Prediction

This could be the potential banana skin game for the Netherlands.

Despite their huge haul of goals they are facing a Mexican outfit that has conceded the solitary goal to date.

Despite the World Cup boasting an incredible attacking record so far, the game could easily be shut down by Mexico at the back as they attempt to wear down their opponents with a tough physical in-your-face approach.

They have no doubt studied the tight tactics employed by the Socceroos, while Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has done well to deflect the world’s attention from his playing squad onto himself through his much-loved and enigmatic antics on the sidelines.  

A 1-1 result at full time would not surprise, but come extra-time anything could and will happen in this drama filled Cup clash against two such contrasting styles.

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World Cup Round of 16 preview: Brazil v Chile

World cup hosts Brazil take on Chile in this Round of 16 clash at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte on Sunday, June 29, from 2am (AEST).

The business end of the World Cup has finally arrived. At this stage there is no second chance, no reliance on the outcome of other fixtures assisting a team’s progression into the draw. Fate is squarely in the hands or feet of the 16 teams left in the tournament.

This World Cup has delivered from day one with most teams adopting a mantra of winning over not losing. To date an impressive tally of 138 goals has been scored at a staggering average of 2.83 goals per game. Many favourites have returned home and sadly no Asian nation was able to make an impact and progress beyond the group stage.

Head to head

The two South American nations have met on 68 occasions with Brazil owning the ledger with 48 wins. Chile has beaten the Selecao on only seven occasions with 13 matches ending in a draw. Remarkably a total of 217 goals have been scored between the teams (Brazil 159 and Chile 58) averaging an incredible 3.19 goals per game.

They last met at the World Cup almost four years to the day in South Africa. Chile will hope history doesn’t repeat itself as Brazil ran out convincing 3-0 winners. England’s Howard Webb also adjudicated that match and will again be called to keep the peace on the pitch.

This game could be more about the fans! The support from both nations inside the Estadio Mineiro will be loud and proud. The pre-match anthems will surely provide plenty of goose bumps to the global audience.

The big issue

A big question will be if Chile focuses on attacking Brazil at their own game or deploying a more physical and disruptive tactic to upset their rhythm. Football lovers will be hoping for the impressive speedy styles of both teams to dominate. If that occurs we could be in for one mouth-watering contest that could end with two physically drained defensive lines.

The game breaker 

The footballing cream will rise to the top as these two impressive outfits eye each other off. Neymar has stepped up for Brazil and shares the current golden boot honours with Lionel Messi. His silky skills and runs with the ball leave defensive lines in a cold sweat.

But Luiz Felipe Scolari may choose a different weapon of attack with players such as Hulk, Fred and Oscar looking to stamp their own mark on the score sheet.

While the focus will be centred on Chile’s Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas and Arturo Vidal up front, Brazil should not underestimate the power of Jorge Valdivia who will have the 34-years-young Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar in his sights and on his toes.

Prediction

It is far too bold to predict Chile, with Brazil holding such a proud and dominant record over their opponent. Chile performed well enough in the group stage but this match is a giant step up in class over the likes of an inexperienced Australia and a misfiring Spanish.

La Roja has only pushed past the second round of the World Cup once back in 1962 when they finished third in a tournament they proudly hosted. It was Brazil who stood in their way and triumphed 4-2 in Santiago. As a side note, their greatest ever defeat in football came from a 7-0 annihilation to Brazil back in 1959.

A 2-0 result looks likely after a first half that may see both teams' strong emphasis on attack nullified until the game can open up to a more open and entertaining battle.

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World Cup Group A preview: Cameroon v Brazil

Host nation Brazil take on Cameroon in their final Group A game at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Tuesday, June 24, from 6am (AEST).

 

The game

For Brazil another win should ensure they finish top of the group and progress to play either Netherlands or Chile in the knockout stages starting on Sunday morning Australian time. They should triumph over the winless and goalless Cameroon who have failed to fire at this tournament. But as the World Cup has shown so often, an upset is not out of the question.

The big issue

The big issue is whether Cameroon has the motivation within to finish strongly after their campaign was brought to an abrupt conclusion by a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of a fired up Croatian outfit.

They were also gallant in defeat against Mexico in the heavy rain of Natal, but were fortunate the offside flag limited the heartache to just one goal. To beat Brazil they need to buck their trend and get on the scoresheet early and often.

The game breaker

Hulk looks set to return to the Brazilian team and if he lives up to the hype could put the issue beyond doubt. The team is under immense pressure and despite being unbeaten, look vulnerable and are giving their knockout stage opponents (whoever that maybe) plenty of hope. Mexico was able to shut down their forward line on the back of a goalkeeping master class delivered by Guillermo Ochoa.

For Cameroon it is now or never for veteran striker and Captain Samuel Eto’o. He certainly needs to take charge and lead with his boot and not his mouth. This game will mark his swansong from the World Cup and his tiring legs certainly aren’t what they used to be this time around. All interest will be on whether he can add to his tally of 56 goals from 118 appearances for his beloved Indomitable Lions.

Prediction

It is simply too hard to go past the class and power of the Brazil team in this one. If they can finally start with a bang then beware Cameroon.

The Selecao has so much more to play for and the squad will be looking to sharpen their form as they move into the pressure-filled business end of the World Cup. Cameroon could be lucky enough to snatch a goal if Brazil switch off.

Judging by the high rate of goals being scored in the group stage, this game should be no exception so a 3-1 score line in favour of Brazil seems accurate but maybe conservative.

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World Cup 2014: Positive attitude could help Australia to one of the great World Cup shocks against Holland

As footballing pundits in England, Spain and Uruguay are lamenting and dissecting their country’s opening-round losses, Australia maintained a schooner or pint half-full approach on the back of the Socceroos' gutsy performance against Chile.

 

Tim Cahill celebrates his 33rd international goal, against Chile - he remains Australia's favourite Socceroo Photo: GETTY 

 

Despite being 2-0 down 14 minutes into the contest, the new version Socceroos fought on courageously to take the game up to their South American opponents and earn the respect of many Chileans and Australians alike.

Outstanding performances by forward Mathew Leckie and central defender Matthew Spiranovic showcased to the world the fact that Australia possess the necessary football DNA required to perform at the highest level.

It was a signature header from Tim Cahill that delivered the Australia goal on the back of a delicious pinpoint cross from Ivan Franjic. The Socceroos had many chances to equalise but left without a solitary point for their fine display.

Rather than speak of the great effort shown by his players, coach Ange Postecoglou saw it rather as a missed opportunity in the short history of his young charges.

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The relentless weight and strength of the Chile attack proved too much as Australia leaked a late added-time goal from winger Jean Beausejour.

Plenty has been spoken of the giant disparity in values between the Socceroos and the star-studded squads of Spain and Holland, however the performance should raise their stock price by the end of the tournament.

The newly appointed captain, Mile “Mike” Jedinak, led a spirited comeback that supporters have became accustomed to over the years. The assignment now gets even tougher after the one-sided Holland demolition of Spain.

A serious question is whether Holland will rest on their laurels and take a more conservative approach or sharpen the scalpel towards another clinical attacking display against their much less fancied opponents. One important statistic giving hope is that Australia have never lost to Holland.

OK, so we have played Holland only three times in friendlies, with one win and two draws, but, hey, we stick to the power of positive thought.

It is this positive attitude adopted by a young team of perennial underdogs that may just help them pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The match kicks off in the early hours Australia time, but a cold morning and a high probability of a crushing defeat will never dim the enthusiasm of fans keen to see their footballing heroes face a challenge.

Cahill is arguably the most popular and successful Australian player and his trademark boxing celebration always entertains despite sparking fear into fragile corner posts worldwide.

The main point of difference to the three preceding World Cup campaigns is the high expectation for team success. Most base it on the belief that, as Mark Twain wrote, “it is the size of the fight in the dog rather than the size of the dog in the fight that counts”.

The physical style and heart displayed by the team against Chile has left many feeling optimistic for a bright future under Postecoglou.

Given Australia is not a footballing superpower, the country always punches above its weight in terms of its FIFA world ranking.

This is clearly evidenced by its fourth successful World Cup qualification to the final 32 and onto football’s ultimate stage.

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World Cup Group A preview: Brazil v Mexico

Host nation and World Cup favourites Brazil take on Mexico in their second Group A match kicking-off at a more fan-friendly viewing time tomorrow morning, June 18, from 5am (AEST).

 

Head to head

The teams have met on a total of 38 occasions with the ledger firmly in favour of the Selecao with 22 wins. Mexico has 10 wins and there has been 6 draws. Mexico has only ever beaten Brazil once on their home soil in a friendly way back in 1968 (2-1).

The game

On paper Brazil looks the better team with attacking options littered across the park. Another shaky start against Mexico will be a worrying sign for Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as he looks to secure top spot in the group and put the nation at ease.

Mexico seemingly had a much smoother start with a comfortable win against Cameroon in very damp conditions and will be hoping to hone their effective ‘play the ball out from the back’ style.

If given too much width or space their deadly counter attacking brand could pay dividends. That being said, execution and mistake free football will be paramount if they are to avoid being on the receiving end of a punishing football master class led by Neymar Jnr and his band of merry men.

The big Issue

The issue has always been what Mexico team turns up. Their inconsistency in tournaments swings from the sublime to just plain average. If Brazil is clinical the scoreboard attendants could be in for a very busy night with the Neymar, Oscar and Fred show taking to the stage in Fortaleza. Restricting soft turnovers and taking advantage of limited chances in the attacking half will be a key if Mexico is to cause a boilover.

Already being blessed with so many wonderful football contests in less than a week, the entertainment value should prove no different. This is a must watch game if not for the fan atmosphere alone.  It is the type of match-up that if played in slow motion could somehow appear at normal speed.

For the winner will go the spoils and whoever succeeds in the battle will be assured of their place in the knockout round if the Croatia and Cameroon clash ends in a stalemate.

The game breaker

Mexican Giovanni Dos Santos was dangerous with every run against Cameroon, but his eagerness and timing will need to be measured inch perfect if he is to avoid the scrutiny of the sideline officials. 

A hamstring injury cloud continues to hover above key forward Hulk, and his mobility and speed could limit Brazil’s effectiveness in attack. It will be interesting if Scolari risks him in such an important match in favour of employing his potential arsenal as they move deeper into the round of 16. If the star is absent in favour of Ramires, then look for a very “Hulk Mad” performance when he next takes to the pitch.

Prediction: Brazil 3-1 Mexico

The Mexicans always have the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character to cause an upset and have done so as recently as the Olympic final in London two years ago when they defeated Brazil 2-1 to claim gold.

History can always be important in predicting the future but I think that Brazil, together with the goal friendly ‘Brazuca’ ball, will continue to find the netting in a measured victory over a spirited and vastly improving Mexico side.  

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World Cup preview: Brazil v Croatia

Host nation Brazil take on Croatia in São Paulo at the Arena de São Paulo for the Group A clash, with kick-off from 6:00am AEST.

 

The pre-World Cup hype has just about reached its crescendo as the biggest tournament on the planet gets set to kick-off under a haze of firework filled skies and a Brazilian carnival atmosphere.

Much has been written and commented on by the world’s media on whether the many World Cup venues will be completed and ready on time. Let’s hope so! The opening match between hosts Brazil and Croatia will get under way in front of a capacity São Paulo crowd all hoping to see their national team of stars get the campaign off to a winning start.

The immense pressure suffocating Brazil (a proud and successful footballing nation) has the country on a virtual stand-by status, as it holds its collective breath with each and every result posted.

Brazil goes into tomorrow morning's clash clear favorites over a Croatian team sadly lacking the class and brilliance across the park from the glory days squad of 1998.

Head-to-head

A total of two matches have been played between the countries with Brazil narrowly ahead in the ledger with one win and a draw posted. Historical records normally count for nothing but an interesting stat to please local fans is that a host nation team has never lost an opening World Cup match.

The big issue

The big issue for Croatia will be the loss of powerhouse forward Mario Manzukic.

The tall Bayern Munich star sits out the first game following a red card from their final qualifying match against Iceland. This may leave them with no obvious real attacking target upfront and force a defensive approach in avoiding a potential peppering at the back by the fast counter-attacking juggernaut of Brazil.

Brazil possess an over abundance of attacking options via Neymar, Oscar and Fred but the recent slow start against Serbia will have coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hoping the Selecao’s high intensity will materialise from the opening whistle.

The game breaker

One of the keys to the match will be if Croatian centre-back and captain Vedran Corluka can contain the flair and speed of Neymar.

Experience is certainly on his side with 72 caps for his beloved country and his linking with Luka Modric will critical if Croatia is to control possession and nullify the creativity of Brazil.

Croatian Coach Niko Kovac has been very confident in the lead up and gives his side a great chance of snatching an upset, but his devilish charm and good looks could mask a deeper fear of a massive loss that could ultimately derail their tournament before it gets started.

Prediction

Like many it would be somewhat foolish to predict against a Brazil victory with the enormous home country support on hand in São Paulo. The humid conditions will also suit the South American team as the game wears on towards the 90th minute. 

This opening game will be an enormous start to a long month of caffeine-fuelled mornings and disrupted sleep patterns but football fans alike will relish every single minute of all 64 games that lies ahead.

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FourFourTwo World Cup: Group A preview

Group A: Brazil, Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon

The World Cup wait is almost over with Group A containing the host nation Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon and Croatia. Expectation, talk, warm-up matches, and squad announcements will all be forgotten come Friday morning as teams take to the pitch and kick-off the biggest sporting event on the globe. It is a time when the Australian football loving public turn their sleep patterns upside down for an entire month. Many will follow the fortunes of the Socceroos, but in this uniquely multi-cultural country, seeing a sea of foreign kits and flags in the many cafes, helps warm the heart on those cold winter mornings.

Brazil

Brazil will be floating on a wave of intense home support and on paper will progress through the group stage without too much trouble. Their performance against Serbia on the weekend was far from convincing and the crowd voiced their displeasure at the half-time break. The Selecao have always had an over abundance of attacking talent and this tournament is no exception.  Coach ‘Big Phil’ Luiz Felipe Scholari has worked hard to transform his side into a football superpower once again, but it could be a case of all or nothing if he doesn’t deliver the nation’s sixth FIFA World Cup trophy. It is a team possessing a great balance of age and experience

Key players 

No question the player everyone will be watching will be Neymar Jnr. With his blistering speed and jaw-dropping footwork, Neymar’s stock price and gravity defying hairstyle will rise exponentially by the conclusion of the cup. The partnership with Oscar promises to be more thirst quenching than a cheap local Mojito and could provide some great moments for the massive television audience. His tally of goals is growing quickly with each appearance, but it is his unselfishness and willingness to assist teammates onto the score sheet that impresses many pundits.

Another player crucial to the overall success of Brazil could lie in their ageing keeper Julio Cesar. Much is said of the star studded forward line but deep into a tournament stalemate games are often decided by the harsh but drama filled penalty shoot-out and Cesar at the back could prove a big asset.

Mexico

Probably considered lucky to even be in Brazil this time around, Mexico always brings a certain unpredictability to the World Cup. It would seem unjust if they weren’t competing in their sixth consecutive tournament. Mexico has always had strength in their youth but success will depend on what team turns up on the day. They play one of the most entertaining styles in world football and their perfect record of group progression in the past six world cups ensures they will be worthy opponents. If taken lightly they will punish and, with a strong “hands- on” coaching approach of Miguel Herrara, have the potential to upset and surprise. 

Playing their first game against Cameroon will be an opportunity to build confidence after warm up games against Portugal and Bosnia-Herzegovina. They competed solidly against Portugal on the weekend despite losing 1-0 and a 3-1 friendly win over Ecuador will be at the front of their minds. Goals have been scarce of late and their attack will need to convert chances and fast if they intend going beyond the group into the knockout stage.

Key players

No surprise that Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will have plenty of eyes cast his way to see if he can deliver on reputation as Mexico’s biggest footballing product. The downside is his distinct lack of pitch time this season for Manchester United. Not registering a goal for his country since last summer, if he gets on the board early against Cameroon, look for a big tournament from the ‘Little Pea’.

Croatia

As we are all well aware, Croatia took on the new Ange Era Socceroos in a final warm up match for both teams. In what was a solid hit out, the intensity was solid without either side risking injury or playing all their cards in their deck. For Croatia the challenge doesn’t get any bigger than taking on Brazil in the opening game on Friday morning AEST. Sadly Croatia is a shadow of their former self this time around and the squad lacks the depth of previous campaigns. A weakened defensive line could ultimately cost them a place in the round of 16 and their final game against Mexico may mark their farewell.

Key players

Bayern Munich’s star striker Mario Mandzukic will provide Croatia with their biggest weapon upfront in the air but he will have to sit out the opener against Brazil due his send off against Iceland in qualifying. His combination with the classy Luka Modric will keep defences second-guessing. This could be a watershed tournament for Croatia who, like Mexico, are an unknown quantity given their track record of inconsistency in qualifying.

Cameroon

Finally Cameroon rounds out Group A. The African nation’s campaign certainly wasn’t boosted with news filtering through of the squad refusing to board a plane to South America due to an ongoing dispute over match bonuses. Thankfully a late deal was brokered and the team can rest easier knowing each player will receive a participation bonus. Not an ideal preparation, but given the squad is largely built around Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o, not too much is expected from this team which could work in motivating the side.

Key players

Samuel Eto’o is Cameroon’s stand-out weapon but given his touchy relationship with teammates, his influence could be one of brilliance or failure to fire. They are a team more often than not that beats themselves rather then relying on their opponents to do so. Toss a coin on what team turns up in Brazil.

Key Matches

Brazil v Croatia  June 13 6:00am AEST (Arena de Sao Paulo)

This opening game is critical for Brazil to blow away any perceived cobwebs, get their tournament off to winning start and send a message to other teams.

Brazil v Mexico  June 18 6:00am AEST (Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza)

Has the potential to be an entertaining game with plenty of attacking free-flowing football and goals, goals, goals.

Croatia v Mexico  June 24 6:00am AEST (Arena Pernambuco, Recife)

A game that could decide the future in the World Cup for both teams and might well be a must win for either side to progress deeper.

 FourFourTwo Group A preview Link: