Netherlands vs Chile preview: Latest news, likely line-ups and prediction

David Cooper - Writer 12:05 23/06/2014
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  • Danger man: Chile’s Alexis Sanchez has been in superb form during the World Cup.

    The Netherlands and Chile have already punched their tickets to the knock-out round at the World Cup but both are desperate to claim a good result when they square off tonight in Sao Paulo.

    Neither wants to finish second in Group B because that is likely to set up a meeting with Brazil in the last 16.

    “If I could choose, I hope not to have to play against Brazil although Croatia and Mexico are not bad teams either,” Holland coach Louis van Gaal said. “But I think in a World Cup, the tournament hosts always have an advantage.”

    Both Holland and Chile have six points from two games.

    To avoid the Brazilians, the Dutch need at least a point to finish top while Chile must win to come in first and not second.

    The Oranje thrashed defending champions Spain 5-1 in their group opener.

    Van Gaal’s men were far less convincing next time out against Australia when they had to come from behind to prevail 3-2.

    “Our main aim in a tournament like this one is to progress from the group stages,” Van Gaal added. “We are in a difficult group and we became the first team to qualify for the knock-out round.

    “For me that is incredible. Of course, now we want to finish first and that is going to be especially hard against Chile.

    “I knew before hand that they would be our most difficult rival because they are impressive.”

    Chile beat Australia 3-1 before winning 2-0 against Spain to earn the praise of Van Gaal.

    “Chile are incredibly intense and very organised,” he said. “They play forward. They have a fantastic coach (Jorge Sampaoli) who has convinced his players of the way to face games.

    “They follow his instructions in a passionate manner and a convincing one. It’s beautiful to see them play.

    “I predict a game with a lot of goalscoring chances, just as, like Spain, Chile is a team extremely anxious to attack.

    “They are also a team that always trusts its own capabilities.

    “I think both teams are equally strong. I expected a very balanced game.”

    The Dutch showed some weaknesses in their game against Australia but Van Gaal is hopeful his side will show their best against the South Americans.

    “Australia played a very intense game which meant my players had less time and less space,” he said. “That means you need more quality to break a rival’s defence and we, that day, didn’t have it.

    “Perhaps we will against Chile. Having said that, if you still win despite having problems that is an advantage because the players will then accept advice more willingly."

    LIKELY LINE-UPS

    Netherlands (4-3-3):

    Cillissen; Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind; Sneijder, De Jong, De Guzman; Robben, Lens, Depay.

    Chile (3-4-1-2):

    Bravo; Jara, Medel, Silva; Isla, Diaz, Aranguiz, Mena; Vidal; Sanchez, Vargas.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Netherlands – Arjen Robben

    The Bayern Munich winger has been in sensational form so far. When he’s in this mood he can score or create a goal from nothing and his lethal influence will be a massive worry for the Chileans.

    Chile – Alexis Sanchez

    Chile are greater than the sum of their parts but Sanchez is their star player, the man with the pace and the skill to unlock any defence. They’ll need him to shine if they’re to continue to upset the big boys.

    SPORT360° PREDICTION

    Chile were superb against Spain and can pick up where they left off and avoid their nemesis Brazil in the next round. 2-1 to Chile.

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