please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal welcomes back captain Robin van Persie from suspension. Bruno Martins Indi is only fit enough to return to the bench after concussion so Dirk Kuyt continues at left back. Mexico coach Miguel Herrera is without Jose Vasquez, who serves a one-match ban, so Carlos Salcido will deputise as the holding midfielder. Aside from that, they are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Croatia. Mexico coach Miguel Herrera: "We have a great atmosphere and a great attitude going into this game, and that is key. But we also have to play very well because we are facing a very difficult opponent. "Do we believe this could be Mexico's World Cup? Yes, more than ever. We are very convinced that this time will be different for us, and we are ready to make history. "I can't compare myself with Louis Van Gaal. He's done such outstanding things, and it's an honour to play against him. This is my first World Cup. Head-to-head Mexico have lost three and drawn one of their last four encounters with the Netherlands, conceding at least two goals on each of these occasions. The only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides came in 1998 when Mexico came from 2-0 down with 15 minutes remaining to draw 2-2 in the group stage. Mexico are the only North, Central American or Caribbean nation to beat a European side in a World Cup knockout tie in the post-war era, doing so against Bulgaria in 1986. Ten of the last 12 World Cup goals scored by Mexico have come after half time, while the Netherlands have scored eight of their last nine World Cup goals in the second half. Netherlands The Netherlands have won nine of their last 10 World Cup matches, with the only defeat coming in the 2010 final against Spain. If selected, Dirk Kuyt will become the seventh Dutch player to win 100 caps. Memphis Depay can become the first player to score as a substitute in his first three appearances at a World Cup. Arjen Robben has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for the Dutch and he has scored or assisted seven goals (five goals, two assists) in his last seven World Cup appearances. Robin van Persie has scored 21 goals in his last 25 international appearances. Robben (six) and van Persie (five) are closing in on Johnny Rep's (seven) all-time World Cup scoring record for the Netherlands. Mexico Mexico were one of three teams to concede only one goal in the group stage along with Costa Rica and Belgium. They have scored a goal in each of their last 11 World Cup matches against European nations, losing just two of these games (W4, D5, L2). Javier Hernandez and Rafael Marquez have scored three goals for Mexico at World Cups; only Luis Hernandez has scored more (four). Mexico have now reached the knockout stage in their last seven World Cup appearances.
Honestly, I actually have no idea who will win the World Cup. Every time I look at particular teams I begin to think they are capable of winning the competition. It's very open. I think Belgium are a very good shout, but I'm not convinced. Colombia look great, and of course there's Brazil. Then you can't possibly count out Germany. I think Holland, France and the rest will eventually falter. They've already had their best moments, imo. Of course, I say all this with no surety at all.
Hasn't the World Cup winner always been on the same continent as where it's held bar 2010? Argentina or Brazil by that logic. Germany or Netherlands look good, but Netherlands may have peaked too soon, but I want them to win. Belgium have been playing OK and winning. Glad Spain are out though, they always fluke tournaments by playing average and winning.
And again in 2002 in Japan/South Korea. Arguably their win in 1994 in the USA was in a different continent as well. I think the statistic is that nobody apart from Brazil have won it outside their own continent. Personally I think several European sides have a chance this time.
Thought they did 'just enough' in most games by winning 1-0. Thought Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands all played better on the whole in 2010 and they won without a striker in 2012! They play well in qualifying games, but seem a bit negative and keep the ball a lot in tournaments.
whole different conversation .... keeping the ball is not negative, but we best leave that one for now or we'll miss the game PS. Didn't they dick Italy 4-1 in the last final of euros?
