Frank LorenzoBoth Netherlands and Chile are qualified to the next round, but their game still is important as they meet to see who ends in the first place of group B, this Monday at the Arena Corinthians, in Sao Paulo.
Both Netherlands and Chile are qualified to the next round, but their game still is important as they meet to see who ends in the first place of group B, this Monday at the Arena Corinthians, in Sao Paulo.
Ending first is important considering whoever does, plays against the second team in group A. Ending second would probably put one of those two teams against Brazil in the round of 16.
So far Netherlands is in the first place because of the goal differential +5 as Chile is +3, and that’s important in case of a draw. However, Chile has showed us they have the tools to win this game after dismantling Spain 2-0 at the Maracaná stadium just a few days ago. The victory over the current world champions was, perhaps, the best in nation’s history.
Chile needs to avoid Brazil and they know it; it doesn’t matter if the ‘canarinha’ is not playing well; they seem to have Chile’s number in the world cup. In 1998, Brazil smashed Chile 4-1 in the round of 16, and four years ago they eliminated the Chileans again at the same stage.
For Netherlands is about finishing first and continue sending a message. The Dutch eliminated Brazil at South Africa’s 2010 quarterfinals, but in the past have lost to the Brazilians in semifinals (1998) and quarterfinals (1994).
The World Cup odds have this game as even as it gets with Netherland’s victory valued at +170 and Chile’s is +190.
