2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

NETHERLANDS

vs. CHILE

Line:
Netherlands +145, Chile +177, Tie +240
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over -125, Under +105)

Two of the undefeated teams in Group B clash Monday afternoon to decide the group champion when Netherlands takes on a Chile team that is fresh off an upset that eliminated defending champion Spain.

The Netherlands surprised people when they blew out Spain 5-1, and they followed up that result with gutsy performance in a come-from-behind, 3-2 win against Australia. Chile wasn’t given much of a chance before the tournament due to the perception of them being a poor defensive team. So far in this tournament, however, they have allowed just one goal in two games and are already assured a spot in the Round of 16.

Twenty minutes into their second Group B match, Arjen Robben gave Netherlands a 1-0 lead, but Australia wouldn’t take long to even the score. Just one minute later, Tim Cahill found the back of the net on what was surely to be one of the highlights of this tournament when he rifled a perfect volley past the goalie. At the 54-minute mark, Mile Jedinak converted on a penalty to give Australia a 2-1 lead. The Dutch could have folded there, but they kept putting pressure on Australia. At the 58-minute mark, Robin van Persie would even the score for Netherlands and then 68 minutes into the game, they took a 3-2 lead on a goal by Memphis Depay. That would end up being the game-winner and Netherlands picked up a much-deserved victory after outshooting Australia 14-8 on goal and holding a 52% possession advantage. The Dutch can now improve their seeding in the knockout round with a victory over Chile.

After defeating Australia 3-1 in their opening game, Chile needed to defeat the defending champions in order to secure a spot in the Round of 16. The team did just that, as it displayed some very solid defense throughout the match. Twenty minutes into the game, Chile took the lead on a goal by Eduardo Vargas. They scored again at the 43-minute mark on a right-footed shot by Charles Aranguiz. The final score of the game was 2-0, which sent Spain home after they finish up group play at the same time as this match will take place. Chile was actually outplayed in the game by the defending champs who outshot them 9-4 and had possession for 56% of the time. But Chile was able to finish two of its four shots on goal, and scoring is all that really matters. They can make a huge statement with a win over red-hot Netherlands on Monday.