Sunday, 29 June 2014

Netherland vs Mexico: Netherlands aim to maintain surge against Mexico - Times of India

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PORTO ALEGRE: Netherlands, who along with Colombia have lit up the World Cup in Brazil, face a tough test of their tournament credentials when they take on Mexico in the last 16 in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Full Coverage: World Cup 2014


Surprise Group D winners Costa Rica meet Greece in Recife in the day's second match with the winners moving on to play the Dutch or Mexico.


Finalists in 1974, 1978 and 2010 but never champions, Netherlands powered their way to three wins in the group stage, with strikers Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben in outstanding form.


Mexico, however, have proved doughty fighters. They were unbeaten in their group games, including holding hosts Brazil to a draw. In Guillermo Ochoa, they have arguably the best goalkeeper in the tournament.


Costa Rica are brimming with confidence after topping a group that included three former world champions - Italy, Uruguay and England. They have yet to concede a goal in open play - a penalty against Uruguay being the only score against them.



A dogged Greece side will be playing in the last 16 for the first time. They started badly with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia but secured qualification when a last-minute penalty gave them a victory over Ivory Coast.



Hernandez targets new boss at World Cup


After ending an 11-game international goal drought, Manchester United's Javier Hernandez is aiming to oust his new club boss Louis van Gaal when Mexico meet Netherlands in the World Cup last 16.


"This whole year has been very tough. Players need confidence more than anything else and I've been very short of it. Very few people have shown faith in me over this past year," said the 26-year-old speaking of his more than a year without a goal for Mexico.


Hernandez, who is known as 'Chicharito' (Little Pea), was left in tears after heading his side's third goal in a 3-1 win over Croatia on Monday which sealed their place in the knockout stages for a sixth straight World Cup.


The tough year has seen several reports that Hernandez could leave his English club side Manchester United where Dutch coach van Gaal will take over after the World Cup.


Hernandez's return to scoring form is another boost for a Mexico side that has gone from strength to strength since the appointment of coach Miguel Herrera last year.



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