This is definitely not the match that Brazil and their fans would have hoped to have been playing in this weekend but in truth, they never looked good enough to contest the final. You would have to have been living on another planet not to know that the host nation were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in their semi-final game. Not only was it their record ever defeat, it was also their first competitive loss in Brazil for over 20 years. If there was ever a way to bow out of your own competition, this was definitely not the way. It was well documented that they were without their captain, Thiago Silva, and their best player, Neymar, but even then it was a shambolic performance. When you consider the players on show against the Germans, the majority play at the top level – they should have been capable of far more than they produced.
Getting to the last four would probably have been seen as a success before the tournament for Holland, but they will be thinking about ‘what if’ after losing to Argentina on penalties on Wednesday night. They were looking to reach their second consecutive World Cup final but it wasn’t to be and they now have to contest a match which their manager has already said is a waste of time. They haven’t won too many admirers in the latter stages of this competition as many believe them to have approached games in a negative way. That probably has been the case but you have to put it into context as well. With the exception of a couple of top class players, this Dutch side is relatively unknown with many young players from the Eredivise making up the squad. Louis Van Gaal has played in a way which he believed would bring success, and he wasn’t far away from achieving it.
It’s hard to tell how Brazil and the Brazilian public will approach this match such is the mood in the country at the moment. Their supporters watched on in disbelief as their heroes were dismantled by a rampant opponent. You would think that their players would hope to restore some pride as this tournament comes to a close but there also has to be a worry about the mindset, especially of established players who let their nation down.
As mentioned, Van Gaal has openly criticised this match as being worthless so you have to question how he will set his team up for this and even his personnel selection. He could offer some playing time to players who have not played much in the competition. One of those players is Jordy Clasie who came on in the second half of the semi-final. The Feyenoord midfielder saw plenty of the ball whilst he was on the park and looks like he is destined for a big future in the Dutch national team.
When there are so many uncertainties around about a game it pays to be cautious. Since there are so many doubts around the starting line-ups of both sides as well as the motivation, I’m going to play it conservatively and opt for entertainment. I expect Brazil to try and take their opponents on which should make for an open game.
Over 2.5 goals 6/4 @ William Hill
