Preview & Prediction: Holland Vs Sovakia

Holland Vs Slovakia preview:

Best team in the tournament, Holland will take on Slovakia who already created sensation by eliminating Italy. Holland is boosted by the return of Arjen Robben while Slovakia is famous for their fearless attacking game. Holland is set to thrash Slovakia who are playing without pressure in their first world cup appearance.

Match timing: June 28, 7:25 PM

Venue: Moses Mabhida stadium, Durban.

World Cup performances:

Holland: They won all the three group games without Arjen Robben and with moderate performances. They defeated Japan, Denmark and Cameroon in group stage. They scored 5 goals and conceded just one goal.

Slovakia: They defeated Italy (3-2), drew with New Zealand (1-1), and lost to Paraguay (0-2). Despite slow start, they peaked against Italy. Coach always encourages players to attack. They scored 22 goals in qualifying games.

Key players:

Holland: Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie.

Slovakia: Robert Vittek, Marek Hamsik and Stoch.

Squad analysis:

Holland team: Maarten Stekelenburg (GK), Van der Wiel , John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Captain), Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt.

If Robben plays, Slovakia has no chance. But, without him, Slovakia can fancy their chances as it is not still not playing at peak. But, Robin Van Persie returned to form in the last game against Cameroon. Defensively, they are looking very strong with Van Bommel and De Jong supporting as holding midfielders. Sneijder is their creative hope but Van der Vaart is the worst performer so far.  

Who will miss quarterfinal if they get another yellow card: Nigel de Jong, Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Van der Wiel, van Brockhorst and Van der Vaart.

Unlike previous squads, this team has not peaked too early. They won all the three group games without Arjen Robben and with moderate performances. They defeated Japan, Denmark and Cameroon in group stage. They scored 5 goals and conceded just 1 goal.

Slovakia team (Probable): Jan Mucha (GK), Zebavnik, Jan Durica, Martin Skrtel, Peter Pekarik, Miroslav Stoch, Marek Hamsik (Captain), Juraj Kucka, Weiss, Erik Jendrisek and Robert Vittek.

Zdeno Strba was suspended for this game. Vittek already scored 3 goals. But, they have weak defence as they already conceded 5 goals in 3 games. Lack of pressure is their only advantage. But, Players like Stoch and Hamsik will definitely test Holland defence.

Final analysis: This Holland team is playing like traditional German teams. They rarely concede goals and their game plan depends on watertight defence as they conceded just 2 goals in qualifiers and one goal in group games. But, against weak Slovakian defence, I am expecting 3-4 goals from Holland if Robben plays.

World Cup game Prediction: Holland 3 – Slovakia 1