Netherlands v Brazil
Football: FIFA World Cup: Quarter finals
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth
Friday 2nd July 2010 – Kickoff time: 15:00 GMT

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Perhaps the biggest match of the FIFA World Cup to date comes from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth in the afternoon kick-off on the 2nd of July when 5 time World Champions Brazil take on the Netherlands for a spot in the final four.

Netherlands (FIFA rank: 4)

Bert van Marwijk's boys will play against one of the favorites, but if they do make it against Brazil, then half a title will already belong to them. It is the first time in the competition when they are considered underdogs.

So far the Oranje have flown freely in the competition, beating Denmark, Japan and Cameroon in the group stage with virtually no trouble and then breezing past Slovakia in the last-16 without really increasing the tempo.

They were big favorites against Slovakia in their first knockout stage encounter. Arjen Robben’s return from injury was a huge boost to their squad, the winger justified his presence in the first 11 by scoring an important goal in the 18th minute, which gave the Dutch a 1-0 lead. Wesley Snejder secured their victory in the 84th minute, but the Slovakians scored a deserved goal in the last minute from penalty after some huge misses in the second half.

There was a little controversy during the game, when the coach pulled Robin van Persie with ten minutes to go and van Persie became visibly upset. But according to coach Bert van Marwijk the matter is now completely settled.

Holland have not produced the total football of old but are not in the last eight by pure coincidence, they head into the game on a 23-match unbeaten run. Manager Bert van Marwijk has received criticism for not playing in the typical Dutch way, but if the Oranje return home with the trophy in hand, I guess few will be complaining.

The Dutch are pretty healthy for this match, but their top mid-fielder Arjen Robben and goalee Maarten Stekelenburg both received yellow cards in the Slovakia match (which was a yellow card festival) and will have to play a bit cautiously.

Probable line-up:

Stekelenburg
Van der Wiel - Heitinga - Mathijsen - Van Bronckhorst
Van Bommel- De Jong
Kuyt - Sneijder - Robben
Van Persie

Brazil (FIFA rank: 1)

Brazil has 3 victories and a draw in World Cup 2010 proving to be one of the most impressive teams so far. They cruised through group play, winning Group G by beating North Korea 2-1, Ivory Coast 3-1 and a hard-fought 0-0 tie with Portugal. Brazil then demolished Chile 3-0 on Monday in the round of 16 to set up this quarterfinal match with the Netherlands.

In their first knockout-stage game against Chile, the boys in the famous yellow and blue were in control from virtually the first whistle and goals by Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho confirmed their status as tournament favourites.

Brazil are arguably the most dangerous and quickest team on counter-attacks, and against a Dutch team that is not exactly formidable at the back, Kaka, Robinho will be looking to exploit this aspect of their game to the maximum. Defensively Brazil look very strong too, and they wouldn't be scared to take on the Dutch side.

With Luis Fabiano forming an excellent understanding with those supporting attackers, Dunga seems to have struck the right balance and combined a team of workers with highly-gifted individuals.

Coach Dunga has a few injury and suspension worries. Ramires is suspended while Elano has been confirmed to be out with an ankle injury. Felipe Melo is training normally but he may not start on Friday afternoon. If Melo, who is suffering from an ankle knock, does not make it, Josue may start alongside Gilberto Silva in midfield.

Probable line-up:

Julio Cesar
Maicon - Lucio - Juan - Bastos
Gilberto Silva - Josue
Alves - Kaka - Robinho
Luis Fabiano

The Betting Verdict :

Everyone seems to take Brazil as huge favorites in this fixture, but I don’t think that at this level the difference between the two teams is that high. I agree that Holland haven’t showed much so far, just enough to get trough, but they have the ability to boost up their game against a team that demands it.

The prices offered by bookies for Holland on double chance are in many cases higher than a straight Brazil win, which I found quite interesting. I don’t think Brazil have more than 50% chance of winning this game.

Given the skill level of these two teams expect to see a balanced possession, with both sides playing their cards close to their vest and waiting for their opponents to slip. Not necessarily a defensive game, as both of these teams can score, but do not look for either side to open up much at least until the second half.

The Pick :

Netherlands 1-1 Brazil

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Main bet: Netherlands on double chance at 1.94 Ladbrokes
Side bet: Robben to score anytime at 4.33 Bet365

HANDICAP BETTING :

Netherlands AH +0.5 at 1.99 Canbet