Mesmerizing Mexico hoping to upset the Dutch

Photo: Robben and dos Santos (Getty Images)

CONCACAF giants Mexico heads into their Round of 16 encounter with European powerhouse the Netherlands full of confidence after impressing in the group stages finishing second in Group A ahead of Croatia and Cameroon. They finished on the same points tally as hosts Brazil but with an inferior goal difference to the five time World Champions.

The Oranje on the other hand blazed through the groups stages crushing defending champions Spain before routine victories over Australia and Chile. The Dutch has changed their style of play somewhat and has looked extremely dangerous in the attacking third with the pace and quality they possess there. They have looked vulnerable in defense at times but goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has bailed them out whenever he has been tested.

The Mexicans however have remained solid in every department, especially in midfield where their Porto midfielder Hector Herrera has stamped his authority thus far. He is the man that pulls the strings and makes the team tick controlling the pace of the game, dictating their play. Rafael Marquez is still very much at the top of his game in defense while Paul Aguilar and Miguel Layun have looked excellent in the full back positions.

Louis van Gaal is expected to start with Cillessen in goal protected by Bruno Martins Indi, Ron Vlaar and Stephan De Vrij. Daley Blind has been in excellent form at left wing back while Daryl Janmaat should retain his place on the opposite side.

Nigel De Jong and Jonathan De Guzman will be deployed to protect the defense while the masters Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and skipper Robin van Persie should lead the attack. Robben and Van Persie has 3 goals each and so far have proven too much for their oppositions. They will be hoping to do much of the same against El Tri but they will be up against a strong defense that has conceded just one goal from three outings.

Guillermo Ochoa should keep his place in goal for El Tri while Hector Moreno, Marquez and Javier Rodriguez should be retained by Miguel Herrera in defense. Aguilar and Layun can be expected to work tirelessly up and down the flanks in the wing back positions as they have done in the group stages to great effect.

Herrera will have a new partner in midfield with Jose Juan Vazquez suspended for this fixture. He may be partnered by Carlos Pena of Club Leon. He has a good sense of positioning, handle the ball well and has great stamina. Andres Guardado and Giovanni dos Santos will provide the creativity for the Mexicans with their vision, technique and excellent touch. Javier Hernandez has put pressure on his coach for a place in the first 11 after hitting the back of the net. Oribe Peralta is the first choice but after scoring and an impressive showing the Man United striker has a case for a starting birth.

This could be another exciting battle at the World Cup with both teams set up in the same formation. It could well come down to tactical discipline, so set pieces could be the deciding factor. Mexico could use the conditions to their advantage and with a solid platform in defense with great attacking threat they could spring a surprise on the Oranje.

Players to Watch

Mexico – Hector Herrera, Giovanni dos Santos, Rafael Marquez

Netherlands – Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Daley Blind