ARJEN ROBBEN

Post by Suresh Iyer

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth is the venue of the 1st quarter-final in between Brazil and Holland on Friday.

This is a contest involving perennial favourites, and perennial underachievers. However, below their coach, Dunga, five-time winners, Brazil, are a extremely different squad from the ones we have witnessed in previous Earth Cups.

Holland registered however yet another regimen win versus Slovakia, in the round of sixteen, right after a clear sweep of their group E matches, in which they obtained the better of Denmark, Cameroon and Japan. But in contrast to the group matches, in which Holland were nicely quick of the type they shown in the qualification matches, the Slovakia match was a one sided affair, with the scoreline not revealing the ease with which the Dutchmen played. Arjen Robben returned from injuries, and his presence can be summed up by the post match Slovakian reaction — they had been said to be “stunned by his genius”. An 18th minute goal by the Bayern Munich star put the Dutch ahead. They favourites Sneijder shut out the match in the 84th minute, with a 2nd strike, Slovakia’s damage time penalty converted by Vattek was bad consolation in a game that was never ever in their grasp.

Holland have been good in patches. They have not been virtually as innovative as anticipated, and that could be attributed, amongst other reasons, to the timing of the tournament, coming as it does at the end of the club period, when most gamers are put in, or nursing niggling injuries.

Can the Dutch defence hold up to a robust attack like Brazil’s? Skipper Bronckhorst on the incorrect aspect of thirty might find the going a tiny also fast for comfort in opposition to Kaka and Robinho. The Dutch will depend seriously on midfield protection to the back 4 from Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong. On the other aspect, each and every rival defender really should dread the prospect of going through up to the Dutch attack spearheaded by Wesley Snejder and Arjen Robben.

Brazil cruised by means of their group matches, barring short moments of discomfort from North Korea, a match they ultimately won convincingly. The Samba boys came into their individual from Ivory Coast, and literally toyed with the African side’s defence, in a three-one shut out. They rested their major players for their 3rd match against Portugal, and no thanks to Portugal’s extremely unfavorable method to the game, played out a goalless draw. Brazil confronted Chile in their round of sixteen match. Chile had arrive through playing with positive flair, and have been anticipated to set up a battle. In the occasion, Brazil crushed their fellow South Americans in a manner that left no doubt as to the potency of this Brazilian squad. Defender Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho scored 1 each in the 3- rout.

Apart from Fabiano, Robinho, Kaka and Elano at the top of their game, in Maicon and Michel Bastos, Brazil have defenders who can hunt with the hounds if essential. The Dutch might go be nicely recommended to opt for a defensive game strategy, mastering from Portugal. Elano is probably to miss out, owing to damage, but Brazil could get the companies of Filipe Melo, recovered from his personal damage. But Ramires’ absence owing to suspension is probable to harm Brazil.

Holland’s fortunes in this match will hinge on the contest in between Arjen Robben and. Michel Bastos. Apart from the Portugal assault led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil’s full-back Bastos is yet to be stretched at this World Cup. One more vital contest will function Kaka dn Bronckhorst. Bronckhort’s 35 many years could weigh seriously on his feet as he will take on Kaka’s tempo and guile.

The Dutch are probable to go with Robben after his showing from Slovakia, despite the fact that he is yet to recover totally from injury. Khalid Boulahrouz could replace Van der Wiel, as Holland may possibly want expertise to counter Robinho. Boulahrouz also gives the Dutch an attacking option. Kuyt could be left winger with Robben on the proper flank.

For Brazil Nilmar could man the appropriate wing, to counter the Dutch attack. Alves and Robinho could change positions, to give higher protective cover to Bastos in the confront of Robben’s threat.

Kleberson could get a glimpse in, in Ramires’ absence, to accompany Gilberto inmidfield. Robinho and Kaka will modify their positions in accordance to the scenario. Luis Fabiano will be the Brazil spearhead, and will appear to strengthen his declare on the Golden Boot award.

The two are evenly matched teams that play with flair and will make for a fantastic contest. Challenging to decide on a winner, but I will plump for Brazil.

About the Writer

For the most recent sports activities gossip and news you will not find everywhere else on the Internet, and to download a Totally free Ebook on the 2010 FIFA Earth Cup, click on http://www.cricinfosite.com

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports activities fan and blogger.