Netherlands vs Costa Rica, FIFA World Cup 2014 4th Quarter-final Match Preview: Oranje takes on underdog Costa Rica

Costa Rica is clearly up against it when the two sides meet in Fortaleza in the last quarter final of the 2014 World Cup.

Updated: July 5, 2014 3:36 PM IST

By Ashwani Mishra

Netherlands vs Costa Rica, FIFA World Cup 2014 4th Quarter-final Match Preview: Oranje takes on underdog Costa Rica
Arjen Robben123

Netherlands will look to Arjen Robben to give them a flying start (Getty Images)

After a miraculous escape against Mexico, the high flying Dutchman will look to seal the deal against Costa Rica who many believe have already run their race in the tournament. Netherlands who have previously lost in three World Cup finals are desperate of all the sides to lay their hands on the coveted trophy and under manager Luis Van Gaal they have looked an inspired outfit. Costa Rica is clearly up against it when the two sides meet in Fortaleza in the last quarter final of the 2014 World Cup.

NETHERLANDS: Coach Luis Van Gaal has been dealt a blow with midfielder Nigel De Jong out of the World Cup with groin injury and it will be interesting to see who will replace him in the starting eleven. The Dutch will continue to play in the 5-3-2 formation with two wing backs with the industrious Dirk Kyut from the left back position. All eyes will be on Arjen Robben who was at the centre of yet another diving controversy. After his admission to diving in the first half of the round of 16 match against Mexico, questions are being asked about integrity of the man who many feel has cheated. The Netherlands campaign has been marked by the masterful substitutions made by Luis Van Gaal which has clearly made Manchester United fans hopeful of good days coming back to Old Trafford.

COSTA RICA: The North American country has clearly been the surprise of the tournament and even in the wildest of dreams the Costa Ricans would have never imagined their side playing a quarter final matches. They come into the match with nothing to lose which just might benefit them and the underdogs might just utilize it again to perform another Giant killing act. Oscar Duarte will not be available for Ticos after his red card against the Greece which is a big blow for their defence. Roy Miller is another defender unavailable due to a foot injury and hence the Costa Rica defence is depleted to say the least. Arsenal man Joel Campbell would once again be the go to man for the side but it would be unfair to put the burden on one man up against a five man defence.

PREDICTED LINE UP

NETHERLANDS:  Cillessen, Jaanmat, Vlaar, de Vrij, Indi, Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Blind, Sneijder, Robben, van Persie

COSTA RICA: Navas, Gamboa, Umana, Gonzalez, Acosta, Diaz, Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Campbell

MATCH PREDICTION: Netherland start as clear favourites against a depleted Costa Rica side and would have to play really badly to lose this match.

FULL TIME : NETHERLANDS 2 COSTA RICA 0

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