World Cup Preview: Brazil vs. Netherlands
Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 8:51PM 
OGS Cup Experts Say
To Expect A Tight One
A few of the One Great Season World Cup writers are weighing in on Friday's quarterfinal match between Brazil and Netherlands (ESPN, 10 a.m. ET).
Jake Yadrich:
Although Ramires is suspended, Elano is out with an ankle, and Felipe Melo may not play due to injury, Brazil still has too much firepower for the Oranje. Brazil has cruised to the quarters with an unmatched balance of offense and defense, and the star-studded lineup will take down the Netherlands without much trouble. Unless Arjen Robben puts up a hat trick and keeper Maarten Stekelenburg has the game of his life, the Dutch will be knocked out by the five-time champions for the third time in the last five Cups. Fabiano and Robinho each put one in, and Julio Cesar posts a clean sheet in a 2-0 Brazil victory.
Ben Jackey:
This could be the best match of the tournament. Period. Brazil have been very impressive since their first match against North Korea. Scoring is coming from all over the field. Tactically, they match up very well against the Netherlands. Don't be surprised if Kaka comes up big in this one. This is just the type of match where a rare breakdown can happen and he can find the back of the net. But Holland are slowly starting to gel together. The return of Arjen Robben has been a shot in the arm. The Oranje's back four have truly not been tested yet. This could be very interesting. Had I not chosen the Netherlands before the tournament, I'd lean 2-1 Brazil. However, being loyal to my pick, I'm calling it 2-2 Freaky Deeky Dutch on PKs.
Mike Dick:
+ The Netherlands must be organized and disciplined at the back. If they yield as many chances as they have in their matches so far, particularly against Slovakia, it will spell trouble.
+ Stekelenburg made some big saves in that Slovakia match, and will likely need to make more Friday if the Dutch are to prevail.
+ When presented with chances, Brazil must put them away.
+ Brazil also must not expose themselves to the counter attack too much when the outside backs push forward into attack.
+ Brazil's midfield destroyers must win the battle with Sneijder, van der Vaart, etc.
Jeremy Brown:
I personally don't see any team taking Brazil, but Holland, in my opinion, have a better chance than any of the remaining teams in the tournament. Brazil owns Argentina and Germany, and Spain, I think, will have difficulty implementing their gossamer passing game against this rough and tumble incarnation of the Selecao. Holland's Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong compose as strong and nasty a defensive midfield duo as you'll find, while a front four containing any of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijer, Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vaart will create a headache for any side, even the vaunted Brazilians. 2-1 Brazil.
World Cup
Reader Comments (3)
Nederlands are for real. If they can win despite me picking them to win..watch out! They cannot be stopped, much like their receding hairlines.
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