World Cup:Holland vs Brazil -by Costanzo
World Cup
2010-07-02 – Holland v Brazil
Sports Betting Preview by Costanzo
Holland v Brazil
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Quarter Finals
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Friday, 2nd July 2010, Start 16:00 SA Time/ 15:00 BST
If we were told this would happen before the tournament we would
have rejoiced and been happy with the size of the game. Now after
Holland and Brazil’s last games I think most would feel this is a
foregone conclusion.
Anyway it is a quarter-final match up and perhaps nerves will become
involved and make this game a tight one. Brazil impressed many
against Chile, including myself and are clear favourites to win the
tournament.
Holland
The Dutch defence was quite ordinary against Slovakia. There were
miscommunications, misunderstanding and just simple mistake and this
allowed the door to be far too open. Slovakia could have had more
than just a sole goal if they took their chances a little better. I
feel Brazil will not be as lacking and if the chances arise the
Dutch will be punished for the defensive ineptitude.
In the midfield the two holding midfielders in Nigel de Jong and
Mark van Bommel will have their work cut out against players like
Robinho and Kaka. This will leave there attackers isolated and
unless someone like van Persie or Robben can display some individual
brilliance it is very hard to see the Dutch scoring, unless it is a
set piece.
The Dutch side appeared very reliant on Robben against the Slovaks
and if they keep feeding him the ball he will get hacked and chopped
and will not be able to be at his best. Wesley Sneijder is quality
personified and perhaps a long range strike by him may provide
answers to the struggle that will be scoring.
Dirk Kuyt and Robin Van Persie have played in the top flight in
England for some years now and it is about time to stamp their
authority at international level. The time is now and if these two
are at their peak it will give the Dutch a fair chance to compete
offensively with the Brazilian side that can do it with their eyes
shut.
Brazil
The Brazilians held Chile scoreless and look pretty solid in defence
with Lucio and Juan leading the way. Juan even pooped up to score
the opener which further demonstrates the talent and depth Brazil
have across the park. Michel Bastos and Maicon on the defensive
flanks will get forward and challenge the likes of Arden Robben and
Dirk Kuyt at every opportunity possible.
The midfield saw Dani Alves get a start against Chile. He didn’t
look out of place and may retain his spot depending on whether or
not Felipe Melo and Elano are fit to play. Ramires also got a start
due to this two being out. Gilberto Silva looks solid as a holding
midfielder and will be asked to contain the dangerous Sneijder on
Friday.
But the most important figure is Kaka who will need to link up with
Luis Fabiano and Robinho. He did so against Chile and helped play a
part in the Fabiano goal with some nice passing between himself,
Robinho and the goal scorer.
Fabiano and Robinho are looking like one of the better forward pairs
at the tournament. They appear to have an understanding of each
other’s games and if they can replicate their form from the Chile
game on Friday they will score some goals.
Also these two are not as wasteful as some other strikers at the
tournament, as their shots usually always trouble the goalkeeper. So
it could be a long day for the Dutch keeper and his defence.
The Pick :
Holland 0-2 Brazil (or 1-3)
FIXED ODDS BETTING :
Take Brazil to win at 1.95 or better (Main Bet)
Take Fabiano to be the first goal scorer for some smaller interest
(Side Bet)