The
Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2010 brings on Monday the fixture between
Netherlands and
Slovakia. The Netherlands have won their three group games and so they are one of the favourites on the title, while Slovakia eliminated World champion Italy.
The Netherlands have dominated Group E, although coach Bert van Marwijk had to pass on Arjen Robben (rupture of a muscle fibre) in the first two games. But the
Oranjes were strong enough and celebrated a 2:0 win over Denmark and a 1:0 win against Japan. So the Netherlands qualified as first team for the Round of 16. In the last group match Arjen Robben has given his comeback and assisted the winning goal to 2:1 over Cameroon.
Slovakia has advanced as second of Group F for the knock out stage. The team of coach Vladimir Weiss started the tournament with a 1:1 draw against New Zealand followed by a 0:2 defeat against Paraguay. So their chances on the Round of 16 were just theoretical before the match against Italy, but then they provided for a big surprise. Slovakia beat Italy 3:2, advanced to the Round of 16 and eliminated therewith World champion Italy.
Round of 16: Netherlands – Slovakia Date: 28 June, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Stadium: Durban Stadium, Durban
Referee: Alberto Undiano (Spain)
Netherlands: Keeper: Maarten Stekelenburg
Defenders: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Joris Mathijsen, Johnny Heitinga, Khalid Boulahrouz
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong, Arjen Robben
Forwards: Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Injured:
Booked:
Slovakia: Keeper: Jan Mucha
Defenders: Radoslav Zabavnik, Martin Skrtel, Jan Durica, Peter Pekarik
Midfielders: Vladimír Weiss, Kamil Kopúnek, Marek Hamsík, Miroslav Stoch
Forwards: Erik Jendrisek, Robert Vittek
Coach: Vladimír Weiss
Injured:
Booked: Zdeno Strba
Both Netherlands and Slovakia have no problems with the conditions in South Africa so far. The fixture takes place at the
Durban Stadium at sea level. The weather conditions in Durban are also in winter time very comfortable. So I see here no pros for any team.
Last meeting: These teams have not previously met.
Wins Netherlands: 0
Wins Slovakia: 0
Draws: 0
The Netherlands are favourites, especially due to the fact that Arjen Robben will be in the starting eleven. I bet on
WIN Netherlands.
The best odds to this game you find at Betclic, Tipico and Bwin.
