The Netherlands and Chile probably didn’t think they would be playing for first place in Group B in the World Cup, but with Spain out thanks to losses to those two, it is up in the air as they prepare to meet on Monday in Brazil.
World Cup Odds: Netherlands +160, Chile +185, Draw +225
Why The Netherlands Can Win
Even though Holland will be without captain Robin van Persie because of two yellow cards, they still have Arjen Robben, who has also scored two goals and his speed has been one of the biggest weapons of the tournament. When he has the ball at his feet, there isn’t a faster player in the tournament and Robben has even managed to stay on his feet when he is hit, which is rare for him. Overall, the Dutch have shown a mental toughness we didn’t know they had. They kept their foot on the gas in a second-half destruction of Spain and when Australia pushed them, the Netherlands responded.
Holland can’t take their foot off the gas for this game either, but at the same time, they don’t have to do anything reckless. The way they are playing, the Netherlands can play with anyone in the world, so they won’t be worried about winning Group B, which would give them the second-place team in Group A. However, second place wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Why Chile Can Win
Winning Group B probably means more to Chile than it does to the Netherlands, and they have also played extremely well in racking up six points from their first two games. The game against Spain was a masterclass as they pressured Spain and never gave them time to do what they do, and when Spain made mistakes at the back, Chile punished them. Chile also did very well to keep their heads and not get drawn into a physical battle with a frustrated Spain, but they didn’t back down, either.
However, is Chile overachieving? They were third in the group behind Spain and the Netherlands coming into the World Cup and there are some that wonder just how good this team is. They have some very good players from front to back and they did what they did against Spain, but we still might not see what Chile is made of until the knockout stage.
Outlook
These two countries have never met on the pitch as they prepare to battle for first place in Group B, and even though these two have scored a bunch of goals in the first two games, this match might be a little more conservative as no one wants to go into the knockout stage with injuries or suspensions. Because the tournament is in South America, Chile probably has more incentive to win the group, but would either of these teams be afraid to play anyone in Group A? This should end in a draw to close out a fascinating group.
Pick: Draw
