Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie combined for six goals in the group stage.
Mexico vs. Netherlands | Kickoff: 6/29, 12 p.m. ET | Stadium: Castelao, Fortaleza
Match Preview: Heading into the World Cup, there were plenty of questions about both of these sides.
Mexico had looked thoroughly mediocre for most of the CONCACAF qualifying stages, needing help from the United States during the final fixture just to reach a playoff. Shuffling through four managers in a one-year span, no one really knew what to expect from Mexico in the World Cup. El Tri had the talent to reach the knockout stage, but the inconsistency to bow out during group play with only a couple of points to their name. They quickly answered some questions, beating Cameroon 1-0 in the opening match and then drawing with Brazil, in an exciting 0-0 match in which both teams had plenty of chances. In a match where Mexico just needed a draw to advance, it defeated Croatia 3-1 to finish second in the group.
Mexico manager Miguel Herrera has started the same 11 players in all three matches thus far, but he will need to make at least one change for Sunday, as Jose Juan Vazquez accumulated two yellow cards in the group stage. There was some controversy prior to the competition, as it was seemingly clear that Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez would start on the bench. Chicharito hasn't started a match yet, but he's been a game-changer late in matches, coming on and providing a spark for Mexico. Giovani dos Santos has been generally effective thus far, as have Andres Guardado and Oribe Peralta. The thrusts up the flanks by wing backs Miguel Layun and Paul Aguilar have also created issues for opponents. The ageless Rafa Marquez has anchored a backline that has allowed just one goal so far -- helped in great part by the terrific goalkeeping of Guillermo Ochoa.
Netherlands was something of a mystery before the World Cup started, too. The Dutch dominated in qualifying, scoring 34 goals in 10 matches while winning nine and drawing once. But a combination of injuries and form changed the lineup greatly from the past couple of years. The attacking group was relatively the same, but the midfield and backline were comprised mostly of guys that were untested on a major international stage. Throw in the shocking flameout in Euro 2012, and few knew how to predict the Netherlands performance. In an opening match no one could have seen coming, the Dutch kicked things off with a 5-1 throttling of Spain. Ensuring it wasn't a fluke, they followed that up with a 3-2 win over Australia and a 2-0 victory over Chile to win the group.
The Dutch have been led by their veteran attacking trio, namely star forward Arjen Robben, who has been one of the standout performers of the World Cup so far. He has notched three goals, and has been extremely effective taking on defenders and creating opportunities. While Robin van Persie missed the Chile match due to yellow card accumulation, he has also scored three goals and has formed a devastating partnership with Robben. Wesley Sneijder has been solid behind the front two. The inexperienced backline has been excellent, although having three defenders play together for Eredivisie side Feyenoord has helped. Moreover, Daley Blind has been excellent, including his two beautiful balls over the top against Spain that led to two Netherlands goals in the opener.
One of the keys on Sunday will be the wing back battle. Both teams have played mostly a 3-5-2/5-3-2 with wing backs bombing forward. Opponents have had trouble dealing with those runs, and it will be interesting to see if either side stays pinned back on Sunday. Another key will be Rafa Marquez and the Mexican center backs dealing with Robben and van Persie. When both Dutch attackers are on their game, they can be unplayable. Mexico can't let them get in a rhythm early.
The winner will move on to play the winner of Costa Rica vs. Greece.
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