Dutch look to Robben against Brazilians
Jul 01, 2010
THE impressive Dutch march through the World Cup finals might hit a brick wall on Friday when they meet a Brazil side in startling form and looking everything like becoming champions for a sixth time.
PORT ELIZABETH
THE impressive Dutch march through the World Cup finals might hit a brick wall on Friday when they meet a Brazil side in startling form and looking everything like becoming champions for a sixth time.
Netherlands have their sights set on lifting the trophy themselves but coach Bert van Marwijk faces a tactical dilemma for a quarter-final in Port Elizabeth against a team that has mercilessly punished their opponents, whatever their approach.
With three forwards, Chile boldly attacked the Samba Boys in their second round encounter but lost 3-0 after being torn to shreds by a side that looked close to flawless in all areas of the pitch.
Likewise, putting up the shutters in defence does not seem to work much either, with the likes of the brilliant Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano relentlessly chipping away.
Coach Dunga, who was captain when Brazil beat Netherlands in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, said their opponents were technically strong and his team had to be prepared.
However, accommodation arrangements and an unfamiliar training venue seemed to be more of a concern to Dunga than the threat of Brazil’s in-form and confident opponents.
“It interferes with things,†he said. “We share a hotel with more people,†he said.
Major lift
Netherlands have won all four of their matches and Arjen Robben’s early goal on his return from injury in their 2-1 win over Slovakia has given the team a major lift.
They have endured criticism about dull play but winger Ryan Babel insisted the Dutch had so far faced opponents who had used negative tactics.
Key battles
Nelson Mandela Bay will host what promises to be one of the most intriguing and exciting contests of the 2010 World Cup thus far when the hopeful Netherlands take on five-time winners Brazil. There are several key match-ups to be highlighted ahead of the rematch of the 1998 semi-final.
Arjen Robben/Dirk Kuyt v Michel Bastos/Maicon
You get a two for one here, simply because the two Oranje stars could play on either side of the pitch. Against Slovakia, Robben was on the right and Kuyt on the left and chances are it was an experiment that coach Bert van Marwijk was trying it out knowing he’d likely face Dunga’s boys in the last eight and it had positive results.
Robin van Persie v Lucio
Van Persie has yet to set the World Cup alight, bagging a single goal against Cameroon. He’ll face his toughest match yet in the indomitable Lucio.
Wesley Sneijder v Kaka
Real Madrid reject versus 2007 Ballon d’Or winner. Sounds a tad one-sided, but in fact it could be the match-up that makes or breaks this game.
Bert van Marwijk v Dunga
Despite coach Dunga’s impressive record in charge of Brazil, including winning the 2009 Confederations Cup, back home he is not appreciated by the public , who often criticise his more pragmatic approach and would prefer the Joga Bonito ways of the past. Similarly, Van Marwijk’s Dutch side have played a comparable style to Brazil thus far and been accused of not hitting top gear. Dunga will not change his style and in terms of results doesn’t need to.
THE impressive Dutch march through the World Cup finals might hit a brick wall on Friday when they meet a Brazil side in startling form and looking everything like becoming champions for a sixth time.
Netherlands have their sights set on lifting the trophy themselves but coach Bert van Marwijk faces a tactical dilemma for a quarter-final in Port Elizabeth against a team that has mercilessly punished their opponents, whatever their approach.
With three forwards, Chile boldly attacked the Samba Boys in their second round encounter but lost 3-0 after being torn to shreds by a side that looked close to flawless in all areas of the pitch.
Likewise, putting up the shutters in defence does not seem to work much either, with the likes of the brilliant Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano relentlessly chipping away.
Coach Dunga, who was captain when Brazil beat Netherlands in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, said their opponents were technically strong and his team had to be prepared.
However, accommodation arrangements and an unfamiliar training venue seemed to be more of a concern to Dunga than the threat of Brazil’s in-form and confident opponents.
“It interferes with things,†he said. “We share a hotel with more people,†he said.
Major lift
Netherlands have won all four of their matches and Arjen Robben’s early goal on his return from injury in their 2-1 win over Slovakia has given the team a major lift.
They have endured criticism about dull play but winger Ryan Babel insisted the Dutch had so far faced opponents who had used negative tactics.
Key battles
Nelson Mandela Bay will host what promises to be one of the most intriguing and exciting contests of the 2010 World Cup thus far when the hopeful Netherlands take on five-time winners Brazil. There are several key match-ups to be highlighted ahead of the rematch of the 1998 semi-final.
Arjen Robben/Dirk Kuyt v Michel Bastos/Maicon
You get a two for one here, simply because the two Oranje stars could play on either side of the pitch. Against Slovakia, Robben was on the right and Kuyt on the left and chances are it was an experiment that coach Bert van Marwijk was trying it out knowing he’d likely face Dunga’s boys in the last eight and it had positive results.
Robin van Persie v Lucio
Van Persie has yet to set the World Cup alight, bagging a single goal against Cameroon. He’ll face his toughest match yet in the indomitable Lucio.
Wesley Sneijder v Kaka
Real Madrid reject versus 2007 Ballon d’Or winner. Sounds a tad one-sided, but in fact it could be the match-up that makes or breaks this game.
Bert van Marwijk v Dunga
Despite coach Dunga’s impressive record in charge of Brazil, including winning the 2009 Confederations Cup, back home he is not appreciated by the public , who often criticise his more pragmatic approach and would prefer the Joga Bonito ways of the past. Similarly, Van Marwijk’s Dutch side have played a comparable style to Brazil thus far and been accused of not hitting top gear. Dunga will not change his style and in terms of results doesn’t need to.