The Netherlands go into their quarter-final clash withCosta Rica at the Arena Fonte Nova on Saturday as firm favourites, even though their previous round performance against Mexico was not exactly convincing. The Dutch turned the match around during the final minutes thanks to goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Costa Rica had a tough match against Greece and prevailed on penalties.
Both sides will be missing key players for this match. Holland might be without Robin van Persie due to a training injury while Nigel de Jong is set to be absent because of a torn groin muscle. Costa Rica will be without defender Oscar Duarte, who was sent off against Greece.
Probable starting line-ups:
Netherlands: Cillessen - Vlaar, Blind, De Vrij, Verhaegh; Martins Indi, Wijnaldum, Depay, Sneijder - Robben - Van Persie
Costa Rica: Navas - Gamboa, Acosta, Diaz Campbell, Umana - Gonzalez, Ruiz, Tejeda Valverde - Campbel, Borges, Bolanos
My prediction: Netherlands to win 3-1.
Netherlands win - 8/15 Draw - 16/5 Costa Rica win - 13/2
yellonek 9 years ago
Well i was very surprised of the result it was hard game for both, costaricashowedthespirit
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skrunici 9 years ago
netherland cost me a lot of money, they were scared and didn't played well... After all I wish that costarica is in semi final, becouse with this play netherland can't win agains argentina
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Dominic Horsley 9 years ago
Come on Holland.. It's about half na hour in at the moment and I've noticed Robben isn't diving as much after all this scrutiny.. Thrash Costa rica please..
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skrunici 9 years ago
It should be easy one for Netherland. Costa rica is great suprise but it is enough. Netherland won't let it go chanse like that.. remember stake is semi finals :)
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