Netherlands vs Costa Rica preview World Cup 2014: A statistical look at the quarter-final in Salvador
WhoScored.com take a look at the stats to suggest how the upcoming matches may pan out and where each game could be won and lost.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The last quarter-final will no doubt be viewed as the most one-sided but one need only watch Costa Rica's impressive dispatch of Uruguay and Italy to know not to underestimate the Central Americans.
Netherlands will be without their midfield destroyer in Nigel de Jong so the likes of Ruiz and Bolanos will look to drift infield to find space, as they have all tournament. The Dutch won't be taking the game lightly and may well be content to play on the counter themselves, which has proved successful to now.
Arjen Robben, a figure of controversy last time out, is of course key to such a tactic and has certainly thrived in the role alongside Van Persie, drifting right and cutting inside as he so often does at club level. The Bayern winger is the second top rated player of the tournament so far according to WhoScored.com (8.91) and he and the aforementioned United front man will look to exploit any lack of organisation in a defence that will be missing a key component in Oscar Duarte (suspended).
Jorge Luis Pinto's side have conceded just twice to now, one of which came from the spot, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas having also carried his superb club form into the tournament. The battle on the Costa Rica right will be an interesting one, with 42% of their attacking touches coming down that side, while the Dutch have focused 43% of their moves down the left. This will be another game that sees two teams deploy a similar formation and though Van Gaal's is slightly more attacking, neither side will likely dominate possession on Saturday.
All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments