Holland and Mexico face for the first time at a meeting of
the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Tri try to overcome the insurmountable
wall of the knockout round in which he has fallen in his last five appearances
in the tournament. Since the 1986 edition, in which Mexico was just the host
country do not reach the quarterfinals. Miguel Herrera's charges exceeded with
solvency group stage after finishing in second place, but with the same number
of points as Brazil, the favorite to win the title. The Aztecs have based their
success on defense solvency being next to Costa Rica and Belgium, the team that
wins fewer goals (1) in the first phase.
Meanwhile, the combined Louis Van Gaal has met in Brazil
with its tradition of always overcome the group stage in the World Cup. It has
been so in his ten appearances so far in the championship. This time, he
succeeded as the first team in Group B after winning their first three games,
leaving a good feeling on the surprising 5-1 wins against Spain and in the 2-0
win against Chile. Within the issue of tulips is still concerned about the
evolution of Arjen Robben. The Bayern Munich player takes some days working
outside the group because of a stroke, although in principle arrive on time in
good condition to face the decisive match against Mexico combined. Bedum player
has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for his country and, with
six goals so far, is one target of matching Johnny Rep, which is the top scorer
of the Netherlands in the final phase of World Cup (7). They also have physical
problems Stefan de Vrij, Daley Blind, Nigel de Jong and Leroy. The only good
news in the Oranje's medical discharge defender Bruno Martins Indi after
recovering well from concussion suffered in the match against Australia.
In Mexico, Miguel Herrera will have to find a replacement
for 'The Cock' Vazquez, suspended for this game for two yellow cards. The
Mexican coach has not offered many clues and shuffles Andres Guardado, Hector
Herrera and Carlos Salcido as possible replacements. The only previous meeting
in the World Cup between the two countries in 1998 occurred in the group stage,
when Mexico lost 0-2 in the 15th minute to finally tie the game 2-2. However,
this was not the only time they have faced and Mexico has garnered three
defeats and a draw in their last four games against conceding at least two
goals in each of these parties.
