ARJEN ROBBEN

Article by Suresh Iyer

Holland take on Slovakia at Durban on Tuesday in a match that nobody could have predicted would take spot.

But this unlikely pairing in the round of 16 was made possible by a three-two defeat of the defending champions, Italy, delivered by a single of the weakest European teams in the fray, in Slovakia.

Holland got to the knock out stage with a clean sweep of group E, but with no very exhibiting the sort of kind that typified their qualification matches. A workmanlike functionality saw them prevail more than Denmark. Then they ran into Japan, who had a sound defensive method that could have tested a significantly less individual crew, a lesson England and Germany realized the hard way against Algeria and Serbia, as did Spain from the Swiss.

The Dutch also unveiled ambition and spirit in the way they went about pursuing a goal — and finding it — in the Cameroon game, when only needing a draw to cement their location in the round of 16.

For Holland, Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder has been routinely imaginative, even though Robin van Persie’s target in the Cameroon game will improve his return to kind from injuries, as the Dutch look to advance in the tournament. Midfielders Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel provide protection to the back again line and need to be provided a huge share of the credit for Holland’s flawless report in not conceding a goal other than a penalty.

Arjen Robben, sidelined owing to injuries, played a brief cameo as substitute in the previous group game and gave a glimpse of his inventive potential that could give the Dutch a winning edge in the matches to appear.

Slovakia’s showing at this Globe Cup will undoubtedly serve as a lasting inspiration for the young country’s footballers. Pre-tournament projections noticed Italy and Paraguay qualifying for the knock out, from group F. Following Slovakia’s shock defeat of Italy, Holland ought to be on their guard forward of their round of 16 encounter on June 29.

Robert Vittek in the Slovakian spearhead has not only received 3 objectives for his group but also showed his capability to hang on to the ball in opposition to the Azzurris, whose defenders had their operate lower out making an attempt to keep Vittek in check. Marek Hamsik, Zdenko Strba, Martin Skrtel and Radoslav Zabavnik have all enhanced their status at this Planet Cup.

For Holland, playmaker Wesley Sneijder will be the guy to view and the open game the Slovaks choose will be to Sneijder’s liking as it will give him the area for attacking vision.

Slovakia will look to their midfielder Marek Hamsik to simulate his functionality against Italy, when they consider on the Dutch.

Manager Bert Van Marwijk is unlikely to tinker with the Dutch starting eleven that played Cameroon, as he is nonetheless not certain of Robben’s participation about the total duration of a game. Van Persie will be the lone striker with right flank support from Kuyt. Rafael van der Vaart who will gentleman the left wing has the ability to liven up the final 3rd with his penchant for operating all around the park and exploting any gaps. Heitinga and Mathijsen will gentleman the back.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss will desire to go with an unchanged aspect that did duty in opposition to Italy, with a twin strike alternative in Vittek andJendrisek. Miroslav Stoch will get in forward of Vladimir Weiss Junior. Durica and Skrtel will police the backline although Pekarik and Zabavnik will gentleman the wings.

The Dutch need to surely be overpowering favourites, whilst taking practically nothing absent from Slovakia’s grit and dynamism that acquired them this significantly. Holland pack too numerous guns for them, and with a lion’s share of possession about the duration of ninety minutes, Holland need to appreciate a stroll in the park ahead of tougher issues to come.

About the Author

For the newest sports activities gossip and news you will not discover anyplace else on the Web, and to download a Free Ebook on the 2010 FIFA Planet Cup, click on http://www.cricinfosite.com

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.