After a slow start by the Dutch in the last game against Denmark they prove to be the favourites winning this match against Japan. They are unbeaten in the last eight games but can the Asian team make an upset in the finals.The two teams had played each other 10 months ago and Bert Van Marwijk’s side defeated Japan 3-0. It wasn’t a great performance by the Dutch in their first game though they won a comfortable 2-0 over Denmark, they have a great attacking force but netted only one as the other was an own goal.
The Asians will play with much confidence after a win over Cameroon in their first game. The Dutch mid-field Wesley Sneijder says, “The Japan game won’t be easy, as they play a good style of football, running a lot and combining well. In our last meeting they put us under pressure for an hour, but eventually we won.
The players to watch will be Wesly Sneijder who will be in the heart of the mid-field with his pace and great long balls will make life difficult for the Japanese defence. Netherlands will miss their star player Arjen Robben who took Byrne Munich to the champion’s Final, he will only feature if Netherlands qualify in the knock out round or may play in their last group against Cameroon.
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Looking at team on paper the Dutch seemed to be far more superior having all the stars with great attacking players but itwill take everything to break the Japanese defence. Yuki Abe will be a man to watch, the holding mid-fielder had a great game against Cameroon with partner Honda in the flanks the Dutch defence will have to do a bit of home work.
“We lost our last meeting with them, so we are motivated to win this time around. It remains to be seen whether we can get a good result, but we won’t give up without a fight,” Japan Daisuke Matsui promised.It will be an open match as Netherlands are an attacking team and we have seen in the last game Japan breaking an encounter the opposition but yet at the same time they get back to their defensive role. Netherlands have never lost to an Asian team, Japan have a chance to create history.My Prediction Netherlands 2-0 Japan.
