It’s impossible to predict anything other than a Brazilian win in Port Elizabeth on Friday afternoon. They comfortably came through the so-called ‘Group of Death’ and made short work of a vibrant Chile team on Monday night, thanks to
some solid defending and quick attacking play.
As England might care to learn, the five-time winners are stronger as a unit than when you look at their individual parts. Defensively, Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio are demonstrating why they helped Inter win the Champions League last season and Luis Fabiano is as good a striker as you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
By contrast, the Dutch have not produced a convincing ninety minute performance and one can’t help think that they will be pre-occupied with stopping their opponents rather than playing freely themselves. Arjen Robben is the one player
who can spring into life, although gambling on a half-fit winger for inspiration is something that Brazil would never do.
PREDICTION:
BRAZIL TO WIN @ 2.0 with BET365
Power Rating
Squad (4/5)
It may lack the individual sparkle and brilliance of Dutch squads in past World Cups but this is more of a team that most.
Squad (4.5/5)
They are the best and they know it. Brazil even have a choice of decent goalkeepers, although central defence may not be as secure as they might like.
Coach (3/5)
The one problem with Bert van Marwijk is that, apart from a Uefa Cup eight years ago, his record in terms of silverware is still pretty modest.
Coach (4/5)
Dunga is a nickname and means Dopey after one of the Seven Dwarves. The Brazil manager is anything but and will need all his toughness and shrewdness to control colossal expectations.
Attack (3.5/5)
Assuming Van Persie is ready, the array of strikers and attacking midfielders available is a wide one, although they may be relying on a forward in Huntelaar who plays rarely for his club.
Attack (5/5)
Only Spain and Argentina can match the Brazilian forward line with its array of skill and sheer physical power.
Defence (3.5/5)
Those who watched this team qualify in Amsterdam and Rotterdam would not have seen the Dutch back four concede a goal. But do they have the class to come through a tough knockout stage?
Defence (3.5/5)
It can be very good as they proved when easily overcoming England in a pre-tournament friendly but should Dunga stay with Dida or go with Julio Cesar in goal?