Nothing Dutch in this Mexican affair

Hyderabad:Netherlands topped the goal scoring charts with 10 goals in three matches, while the Mexicans were stingy allowing only one goal in group stage. Fireworks are expected when the two face-off at Fortaleza on Sunday.

The El Tri has been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament so far. Guillermo Ochoa pulled off amazing saves in all the three matches with his reflexes but he has to be more than that to deny clinical finishers like Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. Mexican attackers Oribe Peralta and Giovanni Dos Santos are in top form and super sub Javier Hernandez too added a goal to his tally against Croatia. Miguel Herrara prefers his team to defend deep in their half and score on the counter-attacks. Scoring three goals in 10 minutes against the Croats stands testimony for their attacking prowess.

Midfield duo of Hector Herrera and Juan Jose Vasquez held the line for the Mexicans, while ensuring supply in counter-attacks. They will miss Juan Jose Vasquez, who is nursing an injury. He might be replaced by Carlos Salcido. Defensive duo Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno should deny openings to the Dutch, who have in their arsenal the in-form VanPersie and Robben, who have scored three goals each. Van Persie’s return after suspension will certainly bolster the squad. Luis Van Gaal has been flexible with his formations. He interchanged between 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 and reaped huge benefits. His substitutions were spot on, however, the defence is still a concern.

Despite the clean slate against the Chileans, the defensive back four Daryl Janmaat, Stefan De Vrij, Daley Blind and Ron Vlaar look vulnerable against counter-attacks, which will be the area the Mexicans could pounce upon.

Nigel De Jong and Wesley Sneijder pulled the strings for the Oranje from midfield but they have a penchant for making marauding runs leaving open spaces for the opposition to capitalise and take over the proceedings. Van Gaal, who employed Dirk Kuyt on wings to keeps the quick Chilean wingers at check, has to come up with a tactical answer to the Mexican counter attacks. Jasper Cillessen, the man between the goal posts looked shaky in all the three outings. He nearly gifted a penalty with a reckless dive against Chileans and looked vulnerable dealing with high balls.

However, Mexicans, barring Hernandez, do not with aerial challenge. Dutch play a direct passing game and will look to attack from the word go. Mexicans, on the other hand, defend as a team and has gotten under the skin of the opposition in the previous fixtures. Defence frailties in the Dutch and playing in familiar territory gives Mexico an edge. However, if the Oranje open scoring, the match will go down to the wire and might be decided on penalties.

Probable Lineups: Netherlands: Jesper Cillessen, Daryl Janmaat, Daley Blind, Ron Vlaar, Stephan De Vrij, Jonathan De Guzman, Nigel De Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Jermain Lens, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie

Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa, Javier Aguilar, Miguel Layun, Rafael Marquez, Francisco Rodriguez, Hector Moreno, Hector Herrera, Carlos Salcido, Giovanni Dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Oribe Peralta