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Originally Posted by !@#$%!
anyway, brazil-netherlands coming up next! predictions? i do not dare...
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Same here. It's the fist time this tournament that I've been really nervous ahead of the game. I feel the tournament only just starts here, but at the same time there's a good chance it could be all-over in a few hours.
It wouldn't surprise me if it'll be a very disappointing defensive game. With both teams being really fast on the break, whoever scores first is going to have a huge advantage. Actually, I think Greece are the only team this tournament who have come back from being 0-1 down to end up winning the game (playing against a 10-man Nigeria). Neither Brazil or Holland have gone behind yet, it will be really interesting to see either team chasing the game.
I'd give it a 60-40 chance for Brazil, but I still think Holland d have a chance if everyone's giving it all and if players like Sneijder and Robben can stand up today.
Lots of questions about the Dutch defence. Van der Wiel is completely inexperienced at this level, while Van Bronckhorst (35 years old and retires from football after this tournament) is slow nowadays and never makes the defensive action on the ball, always just runs backwards. Maicon could kill him, unless De Jong/Mathijssen is going to cover for him. Or maybe we'll see Kuyt running up and down the pitch chasing Maicon.
On the other side Bastos isn't really that good defensive-wise and he'll be playing against Robben. He'll surely will get help too, they'll probably double mark him and I wouldn't be surprised if Felipe Melo kicks him continuously.
I'm off to the pub. Hup Holland Hup.
edit: oh shit, mathijssen injured 40 minutes before kick-off? then we're fucked. all the defensive subs (ooijer, boulahrouz, braafheid) have been benched at their club all season. shit, i have a bad feeling now.