No two teams have given this 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil more joy than the Netherlands and Chile. So, when the two sides meet in a clash that will decide the table-toppers of Group B, goals, goals and some more goals can be hoped for.
TV and Live Streaming Information:
Get the reaction HERE
Get the report HERE
The Group B game is scheduled for a 1 pm local time (9.30 pm IST, 5 pm BST, 12 pm ET) start with live coverage on Sony Pix and and Sony Pix HD in India. The match can also be watched online via live streaming in India HERE. Catch the match in the UK on ITV and BBC with the live streaming option HERE or HERE. US viewers can watch the game on ESPN or ABC while you can also live stream the action HERE. Viewers in Australia can watch HERE online, while Africa viewers can do so HERE. South Africa viewers can catch the match HERE.
Netherlands took the World Cup by storm when they dismantled Spain with their ruthless counter-attacking and pace-filled forward play. Chile then heightened that storm by easing past Spain in their Group B clash five days ago, a result which left the defending world champions out of the tournament.
While both teams, on six points each from two matches, have already qualified for the last 16, there will be quite a bit at stake at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Monday. Win the game and you will not just top Group B, but more importantly avoid Brazil.
The hosts are expected to finish top of the pops in Group A, with a relatively straightforward game against Cameroon later on Monday. No team will want to play Brazil, even if they have not been too impressive, in the first round of the knockout stages, and both Holland and Chile will be keen to avoid that possibility.
Of course, the winners of Group B might still have to play Brazil, if they finish second in Group A, but odds definitely favour the Group B toppers avoiding the hosts.
Holland coach Louis Van Gaal was not too impressed with the order of play on Monday, with Brazil now potentially having the option of picking their last 16 opponents, as they play after the two Group B matches, despite being in Group A.
"For every match they [FIFA] have this publicity around fair play," Van Gaal said. "FIFA plays these tricks. It's not a good thing of course. It's not fair play," he added, when asked about the order of the matches on Monday.
"We're going to focus on a victory tomorrow against Chile, and I don't think that will be affected by the fact that Brazil will be playing after us. I'm just assuming that they will do their sporting duty."
Van Gaal admitted he is particularly keen on avoiding Brazil in the pre-quarterfinals. "If I were allowed to choose, I'd rather not play against Brazil, although Croatia or Mexico aren't bad opponents either," Van Gaal added on FIFA's official website. "But I think at a World Cup the host country always has an advantage."
While Netherlands have impressed everyone with their attacking style, Chile have been like a breath of fresh air to this World Cup, charging forward at every opportunity with pace, verve and skill to burn.
Jorge Sampaoli's men will look for an encore of the Spain performance against the Dutch on Monday, and only a brave man will bet against them doing just that. The only question will be can Holland match Chile's attacking verve with their own.
"It will be a strategically difficult match for us because we have a coach [Van Gaal] who looks at different variables and they will try to control the game," Sampaoli said. "But we have the power to uncover certain Dutch deficiencies. The team that wins will be the one who has the necessary will.
"We are modest, but we have qualities, and the collective is more important than the individual player. We are moving forward as the matches go by, the team is maturing and we are growing up to being one of the best in the world."
Netherlands will be happy with a draw, as a point will be enough for them to qualify as group winners, owing to their better goal difference against Chile. Even if the match ends in a draw, expect it to be a high-scoring one.
Team news: Netherlands: Robin Van Persie, one of the standout players in this World Cup, will miss the game through suspension – probably not such a bad thing considering, it will keep the captain fresh and raring to go for the knockout stages. Bruno Martins Indi is also definitely out for the Dutch after suffering a concussion in the thrilling win over Australia.
"There are a number of players that have been affected and one has been suspended, so there will be some changes," Van Gaal admitted.
Chile: Arturo Vidal could be rested after playing the first two games of the tournament following recent knee surgery, but the midfielder insisted he is fit for selection. "After the matches I've played I feel better," Vidal said. "I have been feeling better this week and our coach will decide whether I am to play or not. But I certainly feel like playing in tomorrow's game."
Expected lineups: Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, De Vrij, Vlaar, Blind; Clasie, De Guzman; Robben, Sneijder, Depay; Huntelaar.
Chile: Bravo; Silva, Medel, Jara; Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Vidal, Mena; Vargas, Sanchez.
Prediction: 3-3
