The Round of 16 match is between two teams who are the best of FIFA World Cup 2014. Netherlands is the best attacking team while Mexico has the best defence. The Dutch has attacked the most and scored the most. The Mexicans have defended the best and conceded the least. Even by history there is nothing to separate between these two teams as in the 6 games played, Netherlands won 3, Mexico 2. After the feat of James Rodriguez, will it be another Rodriguez in limelight!! Or Will Robben and Persie continue on the mission to become highest goal scorer of Netherlands in World Cup!! It is a tough choice, if one has to make a pick. Isn’t it!!
2014 Football World Cup: Schedule and Results in Indian Standard Time
Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F, Group G, Group H
FIFA World Cup 2014: Points Table, Goal Statistics, Goal Scores, Groups and Team Qualification
History and Records: History of All Previous Editions, History of Hattricks, Who Reached Top Four in Previous Editions!!
Statistics
- Met once only at World Cup. In 1998 at group stage they played 2-2 draw.
Overall in 6 matches, Netherlands won 3, Mexico 2.
Mexico’s best in World Cup is two Quarterfinals, in 1970 and 1986 in 14 attempts.
Netherlands have reached Quarterfinals 5 times in 9 attempts at World Cup.
In 2014 WC Group Stage, Netherlands has scored maximum 10 goals.
In 2014 WC Group Stage, Mexico has conceded minimum 1 goal.
Match Summary
The Dutch has proved to be the most dangerous with persistent attacks. The duo of Robin van Persie and Robben in the company of Sneijder are not letting the opponents catch their breath and have won all the three matches at Group Stage.
On the other hand Mexico has played the same 11 for the last three match. He will have to make a change due to the Red card received in the last match. The Goalkeeper Ochoa obviously deserves the most applaud, specially due to his memorable performance against the Brazilian side. But then maximum applauds should be reserved for Marquez and the defenders who have not let the other teams reach their goal.
Rafael Marquez, 35 year old, is captaining for the fourth consecutive time, sharing the record and has already scored a goal in third World Cup.
Coaches
Louis van Gaal is the coach of Netherlands under whom they have been on a winning spree. But the Mexican coach Miguel Herrera has become a phenomenon. He is adored for his open passion towards the national team, specially with his insistence of playing Home-based players and providing 9-3 result so far since he took charge as Coach. His emotional and passionate celebration after the final whistle of the match against Croatia when they reached the Round of 16 has gone viral.
Verdict
The Mexican team contains 10 of those team members who won the 2012 London Olympics Gold. For many this is an old story as they consider 2 years a huge gap. Probably yes, but then the Mexican team is still very much the same. The captain, coach and team have a plan and they play with the emotion about nation high up on the sleeve.
The defence and goalkeeper has proved against Brazil how they can remain unaffected. But then that game also shows how their counterattack has not been so effective. Brazil did create lot of chances and it was sheer magic of Ochoa that saved them at Group Stage. But Neymar Jr. was the lone warrior for Brazil.
Netherlands have many who join hands. The duo of Persie and Robben is dangerous, but then there are Sneijder and others too who have the ability to attack. Based on that, it appears Ochoa and Marquez will not be able to stop the 6th consecutive goodbye of Mexico in Round of 16. They are good, but Netherlands at present is too good to lose.
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