The final World Cup quarterfinal fixture may well seem the most predictable, though Costa Rica have already caused several upsets en route to Saturday's meeting with the Netherlands . Thanks to some remarkable defensive discipline
and quick, incisive counter-attacking, they topped a group containing Italy, Uruguay and England and beat Greece on penalties with 10 men. The Ticos don't do predictable. Then again, neither do the Netherlands. Louis van Gaal's side were excellent in the group stages, as they brushed aside defending champions Spain and the neutrals' favorite Chile, though they were rather less convincing against Mexico in the round of 16. They went a down early in the second half, and relied on a couple of last-gasp goals to advance. If they play as poorly against Costa Rica, they'll struggle again.
The Oranje will be without midfield anchorman Nigel de Jong for the remainder of the tournament after he sustained a groin injury. As in the last match, center back Bruno Martins
Indi could replace him with Daley Blind stepping up to play as the holding midfielder. It remains to be seen whether Georginio Wijnaldum will keep his place in the centre of the pitch, or whether the more natural midfielder Jonathan de Guzmán will replace him. Daryl Janmaat could come in on the right flank in place of the unimpressive Paul Verhaegh.
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto will be forced into making one change, with starting center back Óscar Duarte having been sent off in their round of 16 win over Greece. Otherwise they'll likely be unchanged after a string of impressive performances. Both the Netherlands and Costa Rica have relied on quick counter-attacking at the tournament so far; looking to draw their opponents onto the attack before hitting them on the break with direct passes forward. When the
Netherlands have been forced onto the front foot, as after going behind against Mexico in the round of 16, they've looked devoid of invention, and have struggled to create chances. Whether they look to sit back again against a much weaker opponent remains to be seen, but the Ticos would no doubt be delighted if the Oranje attempted to play a little more expansively.
On paper the Oranje are clear favourites and is expected to cruise over to the semi-finals of the World Cup for a second consecutive consecutive time. I expect the Ticos to put up a strong fight as usual but I don't expect them past this stage of the competition. It's a win for the Netherlands in a match of few goals.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
and quick, incisive counter-attacking, they topped a group containing Italy, Uruguay and England and beat Greece on penalties with 10 men. The Ticos don't do predictable. Then again, neither do the Netherlands. Louis van Gaal's side were excellent in the group stages, as they brushed aside defending champions Spain and the neutrals' favorite Chile, though they were rather less convincing against Mexico in the round of 16. They went a down early in the second half, and relied on a couple of last-gasp goals to advance. If they play as poorly against Costa Rica, they'll struggle again.
The Oranje will be without midfield anchorman Nigel de Jong for the remainder of the tournament after he sustained a groin injury. As in the last match, center back Bruno Martins
Indi could replace him with Daley Blind stepping up to play as the holding midfielder. It remains to be seen whether Georginio Wijnaldum will keep his place in the centre of the pitch, or whether the more natural midfielder Jonathan de Guzmán will replace him. Daryl Janmaat could come in on the right flank in place of the unimpressive Paul Verhaegh.
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto will be forced into making one change, with starting center back Óscar Duarte having been sent off in their round of 16 win over Greece. Otherwise they'll likely be unchanged after a string of impressive performances. Both the Netherlands and Costa Rica have relied on quick counter-attacking at the tournament so far; looking to draw their opponents onto the attack before hitting them on the break with direct passes forward. When the
Netherlands have been forced onto the front foot, as after going behind against Mexico in the round of 16, they've looked devoid of invention, and have struggled to create chances. Whether they look to sit back again against a much weaker opponent remains to be seen, but the Ticos would no doubt be delighted if the Oranje attempted to play a little more expansively.
On paper the Oranje are clear favourites and is expected to cruise over to the semi-finals of the World Cup for a second consecutive consecutive time. I expect the Ticos to put up a strong fight as usual but I don't expect them past this stage of the competition. It's a win for the Netherlands in a match of few goals.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
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