Holland v Brazil
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Quarter Finals
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Friday, 2nd July 2010, Start 16:00 SA Time/ 15:00 BST

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If we were told this would happen before the tournament we would have rejoiced and been happy with the size of the game. Now after Holland and Brazil’s last games I think most would feel this is a foregone conclusion.

Anyway it is a quarter-final match up and perhaps nerves will become involved and make this game a tight one. Brazil impressed many against Chile, including myself and are clear favourites to win the tournament.

Holland

The Dutch defence was quite ordinary against Slovakia. There were miscommunications, misunderstanding and just simple mistake and this allowed the door to be far too open. Slovakia could have had more than just a sole goal if they took their chances a little better. I feel Brazil will not be as lacking and if the chances arise the Dutch will be punished for the defensive ineptitude.

In the midfield the two holding midfielders in Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel will have their work cut out against players like Robinho and Kaka. This will leave there attackers isolated and unless someone like van Persie or Robben can display some individual brilliance it is very hard to see the Dutch scoring, unless it is a set piece.

The Dutch side appeared very reliant on Robben against the Slovaks and if they keep feeding him the ball he will get hacked and chopped and will not be able to be at his best. Wesley Sneijder is quality personified and perhaps a long range strike by him may provide answers to the struggle that will be scoring.

Dirk Kuyt and Robin Van Persie have played in the top flight in England for some years now and it is about time to stamp their authority at international level. The time is now and if these two are at their peak it will give the Dutch a fair chance to compete offensively with the Brazilian side that can do it with their eyes shut.

Brazil

The Brazilians held Chile scoreless and look pretty solid in defence with Lucio and Juan leading the way. Juan even pooped up to score the opener which further demonstrates the talent and depth Brazil have across the park. Michel Bastos and Maicon on the defensive flanks will get forward and challenge the likes of Arden Robben and Dirk Kuyt at every opportunity possible.

The midfield saw Dani Alves get a start against Chile. He didn’t look out of place and may retain his spot depending on whether or not Felipe Melo and Elano are fit to play. Ramires also got a start due to this two being out. Gilberto Silva looks solid as a holding midfielder and will be asked to contain the dangerous Sneijder on Friday.

But the most important figure is Kaka who will need to link up with Luis Fabiano and Robinho. He did so against Chile and helped play a part in the Fabiano goal with some nice passing between himself, Robinho and the goal scorer.

Fabiano and Robinho are looking like one of the better forward pairs at the tournament. They appear to have an understanding of each other’s games and if they can replicate their form from the Chile game on Friday they will score some goals.

Also these two are not as wasteful as some other strikers at the tournament, as their shots usually always trouble the goalkeeper. So it could be a long day for the Dutch keeper and his defence.

The Pick :

Holland 0-2 Brazil (or 1-3)

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Brazil to win at 1.95 or better (Main Bet)

Take Fabiano to be the first goal scorer for some smaller interest (Side Bet)