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Message: <blockquote data-quote="-Nipuna1989-" data-source="post: 7806765" data-attributes="member: 236720"><img src="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/5229/500px2010fifaworldcuploj.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> 2010 FIFA World Cup™: Quarter-finals <img src="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/5229/500px2010fifaworldcuploj.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> <img src="http://i.imgur.com/ZXnLa.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> Netherlands vs Brazil <img src="http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/4025/netherlandsp.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> vs <img src="http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/4278/brazill.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The first of our four FIFA World Cup quarterfinal  encounters comes from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth in the afternoon kick-off on the 2nd of July when 5 time World Champions Brazil take on the Netherlands for a spot in the final four. It's a clash between two nations that propagate 'beautiful football' across the world and who have produced some of the game's immortals. The Oranje look stronger and cohesive than ever before and seem to possess a genuine chance to go all the way for the first time in their footballing history having come short ever so slightly in 1974 and 1978, losing at the final hurdle during the Johan Cruyff era. The Samba Kings are always expected to be World Champions and it is no different this year. With a new look team, a new coach and a couple of major tournament victories in their stride, one will be quite surprised if they fail to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy on July 11th. Netherlands <img src="http://www.thesportscampus.com/images/stories/football/international/arjen_robben2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The Dutch ground out another result at these World Cup finals in their round of 16 encounter against Slovakia. Having topped Group E which consisted of Cameroon, Japan and Demark with a perfect record, Oranje were overwhelming favourites against the Slovakians in their first knockout stage encounter. Arjen Robben's return from injury was a huge boost to their fortunes and the Bayern Munich winger justified his selection with a clinical near post finish in the 18th minute of the game to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead. The favourites were riding high on their lead with their less fancied opponents doing little to reduce their comfort. The Dutch put the game to bed when Wesley Sneijder slotted home in the 84th minute. The newbies did manage to pull one back in injury time via a Robert Vittek penalty but it was all too little too late. Bert van Marwijk's team has displayed its flair and brilliance in short spells throughout the tournament but they have really failed to take any game from the scruff of its neck and kill off their opponents. The Dutch haven't really been playing the expansive football we have grown to see them play and a lot of reasons including end of season player fatigue could be attributed to it. Dirk Kuyt's presence on the flanks has reduced the effectiveness of quick counter-attacking and direct wing-play which has to a certain extent hampered the team from giving its very best. Robin van Persie plays up front on his own in Van Marwijk's system but the striker has only scored 1 goal in 4 games and one wonders whether bringing a more out and out striker like Klaas Jan Huntelaar could help get those goals more consistently. The fact is though, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. The Dutch defence seems to have had it all merry in the tournament till now, having conceded no goals from open play. The million dollar question is whether the back four will be able to handle the pressure brought on by the flamboyant Samba boys. Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst is in his mid-thirties and one finds it difficult to imagine the veteran winning his battle against the swift and cunning Kaka or even the the skillful and mercurial Robinho. Netherlands though do possess Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong amidst their ranks who can protect the back four when called upon. On the offensive front, the deadly duo of Wesley Snejder and Arjen Robben could terrify even the most valiant defender. The Dutch possess a very balanced squad that can really give any opponent the chills on their day and it will interesting to see how they fare against the Brazilians. Brazil <img src="http://www.thesportscampus.com/images/stories/football/international/brazil_portugal2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> The Selecao took on a good Chilean side in their round of 16 clash after successfully navigating through the Group of Death consisting of Portugal, North Korea and Ivory Coast. Brazil put three past their hapless opponents in a game that was dominated by the favourites in yellow. A rare goal from defender Juan in the first half was followed by Luis Fabiano's third of the tournament and Robinho then broke his duck in the tournament with a 2nd half goal that sealed an impressive 3-0 win from the 5 time FIFA World Champions. Brazil are one of the most intimidating and fluent team going forward with the likes of Fabiano, Robinho, Kaka and Elano carrying the baton with great precision and confidence. The unit isn't definitely based on the flair and pace of its attackers but it also has its share of solid and trustworthy defenders who not surprisingly have a thing for going forward. Dunga's back four also hasn't been really tested in the tournament and the Dutch would provide the sort of challenge that could completely overwhelm the Brazilians. Maicon and Michel Bastos are two fullbacks who are more than happy to assist in attack and Netherlands will look to exploit the spaces created by them on the break. Brazil are favourites to win this game and book a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament but the Oranje will also do their best to be an unbreakable barrier between the Brazilians and their dreams. The Dutch wouldn't necessarily take the game to Brazil on the night and as one observed against Portugal, Dunga's men aren't too comfortable to face sides who sit back and absorb play. While Elano has been definitely ruled out for the clash against the Netherlands due to an ankle injury, Brazil are optimistic that Felipe Melo might just recover in time. Ramires, who replaced Melo against Chile, received his second yellow of the tournament and is suspended for the game, leaving a definite hole in Dunga's plans. Form Guide Netherlands (WWWWW) 05-06-2010 Netherlands 6 - 1 Hungary 14-06-2010 Netherlands 2 - 0 Denmark - Match Report 19-06-2010 Netherlands 1 - 0 Japan - Match Report 25-06-2010 Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands - Match Report 28-06-2010 Netherlands 2 - 1 Slovakia- Match Report Brazil (WDWWW) 07-06-2010 Tanzania 1 - 5 Brazil 16-06-2010 Brazil 2 - 1 Korea DPR - Match Report 21-06-2010 Brazil 3 - 1 Côte d'Ivoire - Match Report 25-06-2010 Portugal 0 - 0 Brazil - Match Report 29-06-2010 Brazil 3 - 0 Chile- Match Report Key Battles Arjen Robben vs. Michel Bastos - The talisman of the Dutch team, Arjen Robben will have to fend off a challenge from Lyon full back Michel Bastos in order to make a huge impact on the game. The Bayern Munich winger almost single handely took his club team to the UEFA Champions League final and Holland will hope he takes the national team to their 3rd FIFA World Cup final ever. Robben is quick, blessed with a thunderous left foot and with his exploits in different footballing cultures, he is quite well versed with different style of plays. Bastos hasn't really been tested in the tournament even though his team took on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the group stages. Giovanni van Bronckhorst vs. Kaka - The Dutch captain will have to call on all his experience in order to subdue the former FIFA World Player of the Year. Kaka is swift and has quick feet which he will certainly use to exploit the 35-year old Van Bronckhorst. Dunga would have recognised the former Barcelona defender as a week link in that back four and will surely ask Kaka to go at him all guns blazing. Probable Line-Ups Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Stekelenberg, Van Der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Van Bommel, Kuyt, Robben, Sneijder, Van Persie The Dutch would stick with Arjen Robben instead of Rafael van der Vaart with the Bayern Munich winger looking set to regain his best form soon enough. The same back four has played for Holland in 3 of their four matches and one doesn't expect it to change. Van Marwijk could bring in Khalid Boulahrouz in place of Van der Wiel at the right back slot if he isn't sure of the talented youngsters ability to handle Robinho but the Ajax full back does promise a far better attacking option against a team you definitely need to score goals against. Robben would start on the right with Dirk Kuyt on the left and the two could switch flanks as and when the situation demands. This Dutch team seems fit to make this game a real classic encounter and one hopes they all do show up both mentally and physically against Brazil. Brazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar, Maicon, Juan, Lucio, Bastos, Gilberto, Kleberson, Alves, Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano Dani Alves played an attacking role on the right replacing the injured Elano against Chile but was largely ineffective, Dunga may consider giving Nilmar a run out on the right flank, especially since that is not the side from which the Dutch are likely to attack. Alternatively, he could get Dani Alves and Robinho to switch flanks, giving Bastos more protection against Robben. Ramires' suspension sould see the experienced Kleberson give Gilberto company in midfield. Kaka and Robinho will have no clearly defined roles and will move in and out as they please with the freedom of the park given to them. Luis Fabiano will lead the line upfront and look to add to his goal tally of 3 in the tournament which will also see his reputation soar more than it already is. Prediction - This game has historically produced a lot of goals and one wouldn't be surprised to see it happen again. Both teams are undefeated in the tournament and it certainly seems as if there will be little to choose between them at the final whistle. We think this game has the potential to head to extra time.</blockquote>

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