It’s the match nobody wants to play, but often, the World Cup’s third pace playoff is one of the tournament’s most entertaining games. At least, that’s the silver lining around today’s match in Brasília, where host nation Brazil faces the Netherlands in the penultimate game of the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil will look to rebound after Tuesday’s 7-1 loss to Germany but will have to do so without star attacker Neymar, whose broken vertebra leaves him sidelined for today’s game. The Netherlands, coming off Wednesday’s defeat on penalty kicks to Argentina, remain undefeated in competitive matches since Euro 2012 (with Wednesday’s match officially listed as a draw).
Hoping to maintain that record, the Dutch have made only one change to the XI who started in the semifinal. Brazil, while still choosing a strong team, have made five chances, picking a defense with three Paris Saint-Germain players and an attack with a trio of Chelsea stars..
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LINEUPS
Brazil: César; Maicon, Silva, Luiz, Maxwell; Gustavo, Paulinho; Ramires, Oscar, Willian; Jô
Netherlands: Cillessen; Kuyt; de Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind; Clasie, Wijnaldum, Sneijder de Guzman; Robben, van Persie
(UPDATE: Wesley Sneijder has just been scratched after picking but a calf injury in pre-match warmups.)
TALKING POINTS
Matter of pride for Brazil - The lasting memory of the Seleçao’s World Cup will be Tuesday’s 19-minute stretch that saw them concede five goals. If they can rebound, however, Brazil will earn one final, conciliatory ovation from their home crowd. Nobody will forget Tuesday, but a win today gives the host nation a chance to end the tournament on a high, if muted, note.
Will the Dutch care - Louis van Gaal didn’t hold back when asked about today’s match. He doesn’t think it should be played. Though he’s chosen a strong team, it remains to be seen how much of his dismissive attitude will influence this team’s play. It sounds like the Dutch have a built-in excuse.
EXPECTATION
Though the Dutch have sat back all tournament and played on the counter, we should see a less-restrained Oranje today. That should produce a more open game, one that could replicate the excitement of the 3-2 Germany and Uruguay played four years ago.
PREDICTION
I have no clue. Whoever cares most about winning this game will probably do so. On the surface, you’d think that’s Brazil, but they may be embittered by having this disappointing World Cup dragged out. Still ... Brazil, 4-2.