World Cup 2014: Netherlands Face Costa Rica in Quarter-Final Clash
The Netherlands take on Costa Rica this evening in Salvador, with a place in the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at stake. The match sees the experienced Dutch side, led by manager Louis van Gaal, square off against the tournament’s surprise package, Costa Rica.
Having dazzled during the group stages with a 5-1 demolition of Spain and wins over Australia and Chile, the Netherlands narrowly escaped elimination in the Round of 16. A dramatic late comeback against Mexico, sealed by a controversial penalty, saw them through. Against Costa Rica, however, there will be little margin for error.
Costa Rica, for their part, have stunned critics with their remarkable run. Emerging from a group featuring Italy, England, and Uruguay, Jorge Luis Pinto’s side have defied expectations with disciplined defending and inspired goalkeeping from Keylor Navas. Their penalty shootout win over Greece earned them a historic first quarter-final appearance.
Tactically, the two teams present a stark contrast. The Netherlands, traditionally known for their attacking flair, have taken a pragmatic approach under Van Gaal. Opting for a 5-3-2 formation, they have used the pace of Arjen Robben and the finishing of Robin van Persie to devastating effect on the counter-attack. Robben, in particular, has been a standout performer—capable of both brilliance and controversy with his incisive dribbling and theatrical falls.
Van Gaal has made two changes to the side that started against Mexico. Bruno Martins Indi returns from injury to replace Paul Verhaegh in defence, while the injured Nigel de Jong is replaced by Memphis Depay, who moves into midfield alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and Daley Blind. Dirk Kuyt retains his place as a utility player in the wing-back role.
Costa Rica have also made one enforced change to their line-up. Defender Oscar Duarte is suspended after receiving a red card in the last round and is replaced by Johnny Acosta. Pinto continues to rely on his side’s rigid defensive structure and swift transitions, led by captain Bryan Ruiz and Arsenal striker Joel Campbell.
Line-ups:
Netherlands:
Cillessen – De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi – Depay, Wijnaldum, Blind, Kuyt, Sneijder – Van Persie (c), Robben
Costa Rica:
Navas – Gamboa, Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz – Borges, Tejeda, Ruiz (c), Bolanos – Campbell
With both sides chasing a place in the final four, tonight’s fixture promises to be a clash of styles: the Netherlands’ clinical counter-attacking against Costa Rica’s resilient rearguard. Victory would secure the Dutch a semi-final showdown against Argentina, who edged past Belgium earlier today.
Kick-off is set for 21:00 local time at the Arena Fonte Nova.
