Mexico vs Netherlands
Mexico come into this game unbeaten so far in this World Cup, and they have looked better and better each game. They started off the competition with a 1-0 win over Cameroon, followed by a 0-0 tie to Brazil, and a 3-1 win over Croatia. Memo Ochoa has been one of the best goalies in the tournament so far, and if he continues his current run of form Mexico will be tough to beat. Mexico's offense, led by Giovani Dos Santos, Oribe Peralta, and Javier Hernandez is capable of scoring goals against any team, but the Dutch will be their toughest challenge yet. Mexico will need to score goals in order to keep up with the offensive fire power of the Netherlands. If Mexico wants to win this game they will have to be incredibly disciplined across their back-line. The Dutch have scored most of their goals off of long balls and quick counter attacks. If Mexico's defense isn't switched on for the entire game, the Dutch are going to exploit the holes.
The Netherlands come into this game having won all 3 of their group stage matches. They routed Spain 5-1 in the opener, then went on to beat Australia 3-2, and Chile 2-0. They have looked like one of the tournament's elite teams. Led by Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie, and Wesley Sneijder, the Oranje have the most potent attacking force in the competition. Both Van Persie and Robben have 3 goals so far in the tournament. The defense may not have any recognizable names for the casual fan, but it can get the job done. Especially when they know that they have outlet passes to the fastest man in football, Arjen Robben. Robben can create chances purely due to his speed. Combined with his world class shot, he is one of the most dangerous players at the World Cup. If he isn't scoring, he is creating opportunities for Van Persie, who is one of the best strikers in the world. The Dutch will look run at the Mexican defense and slide a few past Ochoa.
Game Prediction:
I think the Dutch attack force will be too much for the Mexicans too cope with. If Mexico allows an early goal the game will be extremely difficult to bring back. If they throw numbers forward the speed of the Dutch attack will catch them out of position. Mexico will come out defensive and look to keep the Dutch out of the net for the first 60 minutes. After that point, if its still tied, they will begin search for the winning goal. The Netherlands will pick and choose their moments to attack, and I think they put up a few goals against this Mexican defense.
Score Prediction:
Netherlands 3 Mexico 1
Greece vs Costa Rica
Greece qualified for the round of 16 in dramatic fashion with a 93rd minute winner against Ivory Coast. The 2-1 win against the Ivory Coast, combined with their 0-0 draw with Japan, was enough to send them through the group stage. The Greeks playing boring, dirty football, but it works for them. They will sit back and defend for their lives, and look to score off of a Costa Rican error, or on a set piece. Greece doesn't allow teams to get near their goal. Any match Greece is involved in will get chippy and might lull you to sleep, but this same style of play won them the 2004 European Championships, and has gotten them out of the group stage for the first time in their history. The Greeks have a great chance to advance into the quarterfinals, coming up against what many believe to be one of the weakest teams left in the tournament.
Costa Rica have been the cinderella of the tournament. The small Central American side navigated its way to the top of a group featuring 3 teams all with at least 1 world cup title. They defeated Uruguay 3-1, Italy 1-0, and drew with England 0-0. They play with the swagger and confidence of a team that has won before, but this is only their second time ever in the round of 16 at a world cup. Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz have willed this team into the elimination round and look to make history in this world cup. Costa Rica plays exciting football on the attacking end, and their defense is difficult to break down. This is the first time in this tournament where they aren't the heavy underdogs, some even see them as favorites. I think it will be a tough match up against a Greek team that loves to defend.
Game Prediction:
I think that this will be Costa Rica's toughest game, despite it being against the weakest team they have faced so far. Greece's style of play is one that I think Costa Rica will have trouble with. Costa Rica love to catch the other team on the counter, but the Greeks don't often attack in numbers. The Greeks will look to score on set pieces and quick breaks, they won't leave the gaps that Costa Rica loves to exploit. This game, between 2 counter attack minded teams, will be interesting to watch but I think that Costa Rica's run ends today at the hands of the Greeks.
Score Prediction:
Greece 1 Costa Rica 0
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