Few people (if any) would have expected the Dutch to thrash the defending world champions Spain in their opening group game at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador. Fewer still would have expected Costa Rica to qualify ahead of England, Italy and Uruguay. As both these teams prepare to face off against each other in their quarterfinal clash at the same venue, the Dutch will start as favourites. However it would be a folly to rule out Costa Rica who seem to be relishing the underdog tag thus far.
While a section of the Dutch supporters continue to lament the defensive approach adopted by their team, coach Louis Van Gaal seems unperturbed in his new found pragmatic approach, which may not be aesthetically pleasing all the time, but has proven to be effective.
Holland changed their formation in this tournament from a typical LVG 4-3-3 to an unconventionally defensive minded 5-3-2 (at least to begin with). The injury which prevented Kevin Strootman from making the trip to Brazil is believed to have been instrumental in this change of plan. However, this quarterfinal throws up another curve-ball for the Dutch who have to make do without their midfield lynchpin Nigel de Jong who is out with a groin injury. In his absence, Daley Blind will most probably play the pivotal enforcer role in midfield and his ability to break play when Holland are not in possession will be crucial.
While Robin Van Persie seems to have calmed down after his blistering start to the tournament, Arjen Robben has continued to tighten his stranglehold over opposition defenders. He has been fast, fearless and disdainful towards his markers and even has even found the willingness to pass the ball to a team mate in the final third. Along with RVP and Wesley Sneijder, this experienced triumvirate will look to finish the match before Costa Rica can start playing.