The Netherlands and Mexico will square off in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Brazil, and they have both played very well so far in the tournament, but now the stakes are high and nerves will have to be calmed in order to book a spot in the quarterfinals. This is something Mexico hasn’t done since 1986, when they hosted the World Cup.
World Cup Odds: Netherlands +115, Mexico +255, Draw +225
Odds To Advance: Netherlands -180, Mexico +155
Why The Netherlands Can Win
Holland has come into this tournament with something to prove after changing their style in the 2010 final to lose to Spain, then they crashed out of Euro 2012 without winning a game. But in winning Group B, the Dutch showed they can win playing attacking soccer as well as on the counter, and when they had Spain on the ropes, they put their foot on their throats and went in for the kill. Much of this mentality is down to manager Louis van Gaal, who turned this program around and hopes to do the same at Manchester United.
The Dutch also have a pair of world-class players in captain Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben who can win a game with the slightest of chances, and they can be the difference at this point of the tournament.
Why Mexico Can Win
Mexico has played a fearless style of soccer so far at the World Cup, even against Brazil, although they would have gotten burned if not for the heroics of keeper Guillermo Ochoa. They have set out to attack their opponents and should have had more goals against Cameroon if not for poor officiating, at least one against Brazil if they could have hit the net and they pressed Croatia until they broke and scored three in 10 minutes. Javier Hernandez has to get a look after scoring in the Group A finale, but it seems like his managers at club and international level want him as a super sub.
Mexico has to be careful that they don’t leave their defenders exposed because if they do so, Holland will make this game into an ugly memory for them. Their flair worked in the group stage, but they may have to scale it back against the Netherlands.
Outlook
Holland has won three and drawn one of their four meetings with Mexico, including 2-1 victories just ahead of the World Cup in 2006 and 2010. They also drew 2-2 with Mexico in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup after beating them 3-2 before that tournament as well, and there seems to be something about Mexico that suits the Dutch. Mexico just can’t seem to get over the hump and reach the quarterfinal, and they might have played as well as they can just to get here. As well as Holland has played, they might have another gear left and that doesn’t bode well for the Mexicans. Take the Netherlands to the quarterfinals.
Pick: Netherlands
