2014 World Cup: Netherlands vs Chile preview

June 22, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Netherlands vs ChileHaving already secured progress into the next stage, Netherlands and Chile will be vying for the first place in Group B in an attempt to avoid facing hosts Brazil in the Last 16 stage.

And while Oranje would win the group with a win or draw, their opponents need a victory if they are to qualify from the first place in the standings.

Despite arriving at the tournament finals on the back of a very successful qualifying campaign, Louis van Gaal’s youthful side were tipped to experience some problems in a very strong Group B.

But, they quickly prove the doubters wrong with a stunning performance in the 5-1 triumph over holders Spain, ensuring people stand up and take notice.

And just as they were expected to hammer Australia in the second match, Oranje largely struggled to prove their worth, but eventually managed to record a 3-2 win that secured their qualification.

Even if they will now be missing several star players, Netherlands are priced at 2.70 (17/10) to see off Chile and keep the 100% record intact.

Star striker Robin van Persie misses out through suspension, while defender Bruno Martins Indi is unlikely to feature after suffering a concussion against Australia.

Daley Blind, Nigel de Jong and Arjen Robben only did some light training on Saturday, but the trio should be fit to play.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cillessen – Janmaat, Vlaar, de Vrij, Blind – de Guzman, de Jong, Sneijder – Robben, Lens, Kuyt.

Tipped by many to produce a surprise at the 2014 World Cup, Chile have lived up to the billing, having pipped holders Spain to the place in the next stage.

And while the team were not exactly at their best in the 3-1 triumph over Australia, La Roja produced a brilliant performance to defeat the 2010 winners 2-0 and send them packing ahead of the final group fixture.

All that’s left now is to try and defeat Netherlands and win the first place in the group, which would probably see Jorge Sampaoli’s side avoid Brazil in the next phase.

That will be no easy task, but there is a good reason why La Roja are just 2.88 (17/9) to claim maximum points in their third successive fixture.

Jorge Sampaoli has doubts over the fitness of Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz, and with both players one yellow card away from suspension, chances are they will not be risked against Oranje.

The boss should stick to the 5-3-2 formation, with the likes of Felipe Gutierrez and Jorge Valdivia likely to be drafted into the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (5-3-2): Bravo – Isla, Medel, Silva, Jara, Mena – Valdivia, Diaz, Gutierrez – Vargas, Sanchez.

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