FIFA World Cup 2010: Flying Dutchmen Not Afraid To Take Game To Brazil
The impressive Dutch squad have steam rolled their way through the World Cup finals so far, winning every game they have played. They might soon hit a brick wall in the shape of Brazil when the two teams meet on Friday. The Brazilians look to be in top form with every player performing at his best. So far it seems as though nothing is going to hinder Brazil’s progress towards becoming champions for the sixth time.
Netherlands on the other hand have their eyes set on lifting the trophy for the first time themselves. But Coach Bert Van Marwijk faces a major tactical dilemma for the teams next match against the samba boys of Brazil, who have repeatedly punished their opponents no matter what approach they have used.
Chile tried to take the game to the Brazilians, by lining up three forwards. But that second round match resulted in Brazil winning three goals to nil. They ripped Chile to shreds and looked flawless in every area on the pitch. On the other hand parking a bus in defense would not work either, with the likes of Fabiano, Robinho and the magnificent Kaka, constantly attacking the back line.
The Brazilian coach is more concerned about poor accommodation than anything else. But midfielder Elano will be missing Friday’s game due to a bruised ankle and Dani Alvez is set to replace him on the pitch. Felipe Melo will also be missing in action due to an ankle injury, his replacement Ramires is also suspended for the match, which means Josue will most likely be starting against the Dutch.
The Netherlands have won all four games so far and Arjen Robben’s goal after he returned from injury has given the team a major boost. The team had received major criticism for using negative tactics which was resulting in dull play. But according to winger Ryan Babel, who currently plays for Liverpool, this was due to the way their opponents have been playing against them so far. Babel and the Dutch can expect something completely different from the Brazilians. Babel said that the Dutch play their better games against teams that want to play football, and that on Friday they will need to take the game to Brazil since the Brazilians will not sit around and wait for things to happen.
The Dutch coach Van Marwijk strongly believes his team can go all the way, they have shown signs of this so far throughout the tournament. He also said that for the first time they will be underdogs in a match, team was feeling confident and felt like they could defeat the Brazilians. He said that they were not going to feel threatened by the self proclaimed invincibility of the Brazilians, since they were here for one reason and one reason only. That one reason is to win the big prize and the entire squad strongly believes that they can.
This strong belief and self confidence that the team has developed might be the key to unlocking the Brazilians, but we will all just have to sit back and watch what happens when the two juggernauts face off against each other on Friday.
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