Coming into the World Cup, the final Group B game between the Netherlands and Chile was predicted to be a death match to decide who follows Spain into the round of 16. Then again Spain was supposed to be favourites for the tournament. The Dutch and the Chileans have since torn up that particular script and went into the final group game already having qualified and eliminating the Spanish in the process. In a cagy affair, the Dutch came out victorious thanks to Leroy Fer’s 78th minute opener and Memphis Depay’s injury time strike.
This was not the Dutch team that ran rampant against the Spanish. This was not the Dutch team that showed incredible spirit but defensive frailty against the Australians. This was a wholly different unit. Louis Van Gaal’s team showed that along with attacking flair, they also have the pragmatism needed to grind out a result. They reverted back to the 4-3-3 formation that saw them get nine wins and a draw in qualifying. The Dutch are the first team to finish their group stage with three wins in three games. The same team who was disregarded prior to the tournament, are now among the favourites. In Robin van Persie, they have a world class goal scorer. Moving Arjen Robben to a central role proved to be a masterstroke. Nigel de Jong has impressed as a successor to Mark van Bommel. The biggest question mark was on defence, a largely Eredivisie based group but even there, the Dutch need not worry. Daley Blind of Ajax and Stefan de Vrij of Feyenoord have been superb, and in Memphis Depay they have a game changer on the bench. Louis van Gaal’s team are a great blend of youth and experience and is expected to beat Mexico, the side to concede least number of goals in the World Cup till date. They’re a far more entertaining team than last time in South Africa. Their biggest obstacle now though, is the choker’s tag that has seen them lose three World Cup finals without winning the trophy. A certain Guillermo Ochoa in the Mexican goal is the other.
-With New Age input
