Mexico has been one of the more impressive teams so far in the World Cup, but can it stop the mighty Dutch attack?
Keeper Guillermo Ochoa has been stellar so far, but he and the Mexican defenders will face a Netherlands offense that scored 10 goals in three group matches.
Most sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark have the Netherlands at roughly even odds for this match in the round of 16. Mexico was priced as a nearly 3-1 underdog, while the draw line was 5-2.
Robin van Persie, who sat out the last match, and Arjen Robben lead the dynamic Netherlands offense, and each has three goals in this World Cup.
Mexico played to a 0-0 draw facing Brazil and then beat Croatia 3-1 in the last group match. Striker Oribe Peralta and midfielder Giovani Dos Santos have looked solid in the tournament, and they must lead the attack for the Mexicans.
The Dutch defense has not been great so far in the tournament, even though it held Chile scoreless in its last match. Mexico may repeat its Brazil strategy of sitting back and hoping to weather the inevitable storm.
But it will be imperative that Mexico look for counter-attack chances, as the Dutch will push hard the entire match.
Wesley Sneijder and Nigel de Jong lead the Dutch midfield, and they have to help create scoring chances for the squad. They are an attacking duo, which is yet another reason the Netherlands must be wary of the counter-attack.
Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen almost gave Chile a goal on a big mistake that may have been a penalty. The team has made mistakes on defense, especially in its 3-2 win over Australia, and it cannot let that happen against Mexico.
Mexico has taken all three of its opponents in group play out of their game and will look to do the same against the Dutch.
The Dutch boast a great attack, but defense will be the big factor in this match. That edge goes to Mexico, and this game could end up in penalty kicks after a scoreless draw.
by BR / www.FlagWigs.com
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