Those who dismissed Holland’s chances of winning the World Cup did so by stating that they would be eliminated by the first good side they met. Friday will be the perfect time to see if this is accurate. At present, there doesn’t seem to be a better side in the tournament than Brazil. Holland have not been tested at all so far, winning all four games and conceding two goals, never looking like being in trouble at any stage. While it is always fantastic to cruise to the quarter finals of any tournament, their lack of quality opposition could cost them dearly as the jump in class may be too high for Holland, even with star player Arjen Robben back in the side.
Brazil have also barely been tested in this World Cup but they have faced better opposition than the Dutch. They looked average against North Korea and dreadful against Portugal when they were without Kaka, Robinho, Elano and Luis Fabiano. Yet against Ivory Coast and Chile, matches that mattered, the Samba stars were magnificent at times. A rock solid defence led by the superb Lucio assisted ably by Gilberto Silva in midfield and topped off with the aforementioned attacking brilliance is too much for most sides to deal with.
Holland are $4.33 to win this in normal time but it is hard to see them even hold Brazil to a draw. Man for man there is just no comparison. Brazil have the advantage in every area of the field: goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack. Holland have to hope that the Brazilians have a rare off day or else they lose concentration. Otherwise, the Dutch will find themselves outclassed by a superior side. The only result that looks likely is a Brazilian win within the 90 minutes which is $2.05.
Verdict: Brazil just too strong in every department