Spain vs Netherlands : Preview and Predicted Lineups – FIFA WC Match 3

Spain and Netherlands play the repeat of last FIFA World Cup final in a Group B encounter

This is the fourth meeting between the sides and first after that final in Soccer City Stadium. Netherlands have won two and lost one match against Spain. There have been 13 yellow cards and three red cards in three encounters so there is huge possibility that the match will go along the same line.

Spain played two friendly matches before coming to Brazil for their World Cup defense. Spain beat Bolivia 2-0 at home then played El-Salvador away from home and beat them 2-0 as well. Spain will be facing Chile after this match.

Netherlands played out three friendlies before starting their World Cup campaign and had a good result in those matches. They started the friendlies with a 1-1- draw against Ecuador and followed it with a 1-0 win over Ghana. The final match was against Wales, who missed out on World Cup qualification and won the match by 2-0.

Team News:

Vicente Del Bosuqe will have a selection headache at the back with Atletico Madrid right back Juanfran and Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta vying for the right back spot. Diego Costa played large part of the friendly match and should be fit if the coach wants to start him. The trio of Alonso, Busquets and Xavi will be handling the midfield with Pique and Ramos at the heart of defense.

Louis Van Gaal is preparing a 3 man back with two wing backs alongside in the likes of Daryl Janmaat and Daley Blind. Arjen Robben will be pushed in more of a central role with wing backs pushing further upwards and Nigel De Jong will handle the midfield with one of Fer or De Guzman. Wesley Sneijder will play just ahead of midfield in a #10 role.

Predicted Lineups:

Spain:

Formation: 4 – 3 – 3

Iker Casillas (C) (GK) : Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba: Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso: Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa, David Silva

Netherlands:

Formation: 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

Jasper Cillessen (GK) : Bruno Martins Indi, Ron Vlaar, Stefan Di Vrij : Daley Blind, Nigel De Jong, Jonathan De Guzman, Daryl Janmaat: Wesley Sneijder: Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie (C)