Netherlands v Mexico – Teams News, History, Form and Prediction
Holland and Mexico will meet in Fortaleza on Sunday with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs. The two sides have impressed in the group stages surprising many with their enterprising and attacking play, not to mention the comfort in which they reached the knock-out stages. The clash promises to be an exciting affair judging by results to date and the attacking options available to both sides.
Team News:
Holland are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Leroy Fer with the Norwich midfielder suffering with a hamstring injury. The injury was sustained in training and came just 24 hours after he scored his first international goal in the win over Chile. Robin Van Persie will return to the side after missing the game with Chile through suspension while Jonathan de Guzman could also return after sitting out the final game.
Mexico are unlikely to make too many changes to their side although Javier Hernandez is pushing for a start after scoring against Croatia.
History and form:
Holland impressed all with their stunning group form. The opening day 5-1 win over Spain set the tone for a table-topping performance that also included wins over Australia and Chile. The 10 goals scored in the group stages, the best of any nation in the opening round of matches. Mexico meanwhile also impressed with their hard-fought point against Brazil sandwiched in between a 1-0 win over Cameroon, which were it not for poor refereeing could have been more and a stunning 3-1 win over a much-fancied Croatian side. The two teams have met on six previous occasions with Holland just edging proceedings with 3 wins to the Mexican’s two. They have met once on the world cup stage with the game at France 1998 ending all square at 2-2.
Prediction:
Despite Mexico’s resurgence under the animated Miguel Herrera it is very hard to see past a Holland victory. The wins over Cameroon and Croatia showed the treat that the Mexican’s possess as an attacking unit while the 0-0 draw with Brazil showed their defensive capabilities. However this Dutch team has more in their armour than the Brazilian attack and despite coming into the tournament with a previously unknown defence have looked solid and hard to break down. The form of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Daley Blind has been eye-catching while the management skills of Louis Van Gaal and in particular his use of the bench has caught the eye. In Mexico’s favour is that the fact that this game is an once off but given their form to date it is hard to see past the Europeans.
Holland are 3/1 to beat the Mexican’s and seal a last 8 spot, check out Titan Bet for more Holland v Mexico odds.
