Netherlands v Costa Rica: World Cup 2014 match preview
A look ahead to the last quarter-final
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Your support makes all the difference.This is a match that could definitely go either way as the quarter-finals are coming to an end with a very interesting encounter in Salavador. The Netherlands have dominated their way through the competition by winning every single match in Brazil whereas Costa Rica have shocked the world by topping their group against the likes of Uruguay, Italy and England and by eliminating 2004 European champions Greece on penalties.
The soon-to-be Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal might have to wait just before the match to find out if striker Robin Van Persie will be fit for the match as the player has been experiencing problems with his thigh. The 62-year-old coach however saw an impressive Klaas-Jan Huntelaar against Mexico as he produced an assist and scored the winning goal. Meanwhile, former Manchester City player Nigel de Jong is dealing with a groin injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto had a minor scare on Wednesday as the nation’s hero against Greece and team’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas missed practice over a minor shoulder injury but should be fit against the Oranje. The World Cup’s Cinderella side will be missing defender Oscar Duarte who was sent off in the Round of 16 and his replacement Roy Miller suffered an injury, however much will be expected by the team’s stars Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 9pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Those two squads have never faced off before
STATS…
This is the first time ever those two sides play against each other.
Galatasaray attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder has scored five goals in his last five World Cup knockout matches with the Netherlands.
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben has picked up five penalties in 14 World Cup and Champions League matches this season.
Costa Rica are playing at the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever.
None of the Costa Ricans’ five World Cup goals have been scored before the 44 minute.
ODDS…
Netherlands to win: 1.2
Costa Rica to win: 7.1
Draw: 16.5
TV: Live on BBC One at 9pm
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