Holland v Mexico: World Cup 2014
Holland v Mexico tonight in the latest match as teams strive for a quarter final place and we have a great enhanced odds offer on the Dutch to qualify for the quarters at 4/1……plus a Van Persie any time scorer at 6/1..more later.
After watching last nights results, all teams who qualify must fancy their chances with the home nation favourites still not firing on all cylinders and a tough game against Columbia in the offing.
For tonights Holland v Mexico fixture, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has Robin van Persie back from suspension. Bruno Martins Indi is only fit enough to return to the bench after concussion so Dirk Kuyt continues at left back.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera is without Jose Vasquez, who serves a one-match ban, so Carlos Salcido will deputise as the holding midfielder and aside from that, they are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Croatia.
This last-16 clash pits the top scorers of the group stage against the country with the joint-best defence.
The Netherlands reached double figures in Group G and their firepower is boosted for this match by the return of in-form captain Robin van Persie.
Despite their 10 goal tally so far, Louis van Gaal was baffled after he came under attack from Chile counterpart Jorge Sampaoli, who said the Dutch employed negative tactics in their final group game and “only aspired to long shots”.
Difficult to comprehend given how the likes of van Persie, Arjen Robben and youngster Memphis Depay have dazzled us so far?
For Mexico, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa may be getting all the headlines for a string of eye-catching displays, but in front of him the imperious Rafael Marquez continues to show what a special player he has been for Los Aztecas.
The only player in history to have captained his nation at four World Cups has now also scored in three of them following his header against the Croats.
Confidence is high among the squad and they have real belief they can end their disappointing run of five successive second-round exits.
Statistics……
Head-to-head
- Mexico have lost three and drawn one of their last four encounters with the Netherlands, conceding at least two goals on each of these occasions.
- The only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides came in 1998 when Mexico came from 2-0 down with 15 minutes remaining to draw 2-2 in the group stage.
- Mexico are the only North, Central American or Caribbean nation to beat a European side in a World Cup knockout tie in the post-war era, doing so against Bulgaria in 1986.
- Ten of the last 12 World Cup goals scored by Mexico have come after half time, while the Netherlands have scored eight of their last nine World Cup goals in the second half.
Netherlands
- The Netherlands have won nine of their last 10 World Cup matches, with the only defeat coming in the 2010 final against Spain.
- If selected, Dirk Kuyt will become the seventh Dutch player to win 100 caps.
- Memphis Depay can become the first player to score as a substitute in his first three appearances at a World Cup.
- Arjen Robben has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for the Dutch and he has scored or assisted seven goals (five goals, two assists) in his last seven World Cup appearances.
- Robin van Persie has scored 21 goals in his last 25 international appearances.
- Robben (six) and van Persie (five) are closing in on Johnny Rep’s (seven) all-time World Cup scoring record for the Netherlands.
Mexico
- Mexico were one of three teams to concede only one goal in the group stage along with Costa Rica and Belgium.
- They have scored a goal in each of their last 11 World Cup matches against European nations, losing just two of these games (W4, D5, L2).
- Javier Hernandez and Rafael Marquez have scored three goals for Mexico at World Cups; only Luis Hernandez has scored more (four).
- Mexico have now reached the knockout stage in their last seven World Cup appearances.
Possible Line-ups
The Netherlands (5-3-2) – Cillessen – Janmaat – Blind – Vlaar – Wijnaldum – De Vrij – De Jong – De Guzman – Sneijder – Robben – Van Persie
Mexico (5-3-2) – Ochoa – Layun – Moreno – Aguilar – Marquez – Rodriguez – Herrera – M. Fabian – Guardado – Gio dos Santos – Peralta
Suggested Bets…..
Although Mexico’s campaign has been spectacular so far, Holland have to be considered favourites for next Sunday’s match.
However, we also have those enhanced odds we mentioned earlier, with:
Netherlands 4/1 to Qualify for the Quarter-Finals – New Customer Exclusive
Yes, 4/1 and that’s to qualify for the quarter’s….no messing about with 90 minutes rulings…..
Check out……HERE
Plus for those of you backing in the goalscorer market…..
Van Persie 6/1 Anytime Goalscorer – New Customer Exclusive
Check out……HERE
Plus there’s also the headline offer that any ‘newbies’ would have benefited from last in Brazil v Chile of
Money Back If There’s Extra Time + £50 Free Bet
Getting down to tonights match, the Dutch have scored in 25/26 competitive games since the end of the last World Cup. And since Euro 2012 and Robin van Persie has scored in 9/11 appearances in competitive matches for his country.
The Manchester United man will lead the anytime goalscorer betting, going off at around 2.6 (for those who can’t get the deal) to find the back of the net in normal time, but it’s his compatriot from Bayern Munich who appeals most at a longer price.
Arjen Robben plays more centrally for the Oranje than he does in the Bundesliga, but should still be in a position to break into any space left behind by Mexico’s wing-backs. Robben has notched in five of his last six competitive games for his country and is available at 3.35
Split your stake between the two of them and you’ll be in profit if either one of them locates the onion bag (in 90 minutes) in Fortaleza.
Recommended Bets……
Second half to have more goals @ 2.25
If you fancy the Netherlands to get the job done in 90 minutes, consider opposing them at kick-off, then getting them on side at a longer price after 45 minutes when there maybe more goals to come?
Got an opinion on this story, who are YOU backing TO WIN??…….
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