So, after England's worst ever World Cup finals defeat we have two of the tournament favourites in action, hoping to put on a show to lift the gloom that has descended across the country. First to take to the stage are Holland, one of two sides to have emerged from the group stages with a 100% record, against Slovakia, slayers of reigning champions Italy. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has a fully-fit, suspension-free squad of players to choose from, and looks set to go with an attacking triumvirate of Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, making his first start of this World Cup in place of the injured Rafael Van Der Vaart. With playmaker Wesley Sneijder looking to dictate the play in midfield, and the experience of Mark Van Bommel alongside him, the Dutch look strong going forward. Robben, through virtue of his performances in the Champions League, has demonstrated himself to be capable of unlocking the vast majority of defences, and providing the spark of brilliance required to break the deadlock when it matters most. Robin van Persie, despite his plethora of injuries, has continually proven that he is a striker of the highest calibre, a team player, and magnificent in dead ball situations. Defensively Holland should be fairly solid, having conceded just one goal to their Group E opponents, and I personally wouldn't expect Slovakia to give the likes of Jonny Heitinga and Gregory Van der Wiel the sort of test they can expect against superior opposition should they progress to the Quarter Finals.Slovakia, for their part, were not particularly impressive during the group stages, and can perhaps thank themselves slightly lucky to have been in a position to profit from Italy's inadequacies. An opening 1-1 draw with New Zealand remains one of the tournament's biggest upsets, whilst a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay didn't exactly demonstrate Slovakia's footballing credentials. Rob Vittek has been in impressive form for Vladimir Weiss' side, scoring 3 goals including an excellent brace against Italy, whilst Marek Hamsik has long been a player worthy of higher regard across Europe. Appearing at their first World Cup since gaining independence following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, they are by no means easy opponents. Having defeated Russia to get to this stage, and demonstrated their ability mettle against Italy, turning on the style when it mattered, it would be wrong to suggest that Holland should be expecting to go through barely breaking sweat. Miroslav Stoch, formerly of Chelsea and Martin Skrtel of Liverpool are both players who may be familiar to football fans in this country, whilst young Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakian coach, spent last season on loan at Bolton. In terms of a score prediction, following the rather one-sided games of yesterday I would suggest that this trend may be set to continue. Holland are huge favourites to win, and I believe will do so by a margin of two goals, perhaps 2-0 or 3-1. However it is a World Cup, and anything can happen. Just ask Italy.
The evening kick-off features Brazil, who are burdened by a huge weight of expectation amongst their fans and pundits alike. Dunga's side has been described as being too workmanlike, industrious and not worthy of being considered alongside some of the great attacking sides Brazil has previously been fortunate enough to have. However it hasn't always been the magnificent attacking play of Ronaldo, Jairzinho, Pele and Romario amongst others that has won five World Cups for the Canarinhos. They have also been defensively strong, and despite having conceded two goals during the group stages, can call on the services of Julio Cesar between the sticks, arguably one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Flamboyance doesn't always win World Cups, as Germany have proven time after time. Organisation, defensive solidity, determination and team-work are often undervalued by fans and pundits desiring mesmerising attacking play. However even if Dunga's side isn't the most exciting Brazil team of recent tournaments, or even at this World Cup, this frankly doesn't matter. With Kaka returning to the side after his suspension, Brazil will be full of confidence going into today's game against Chile, recently dispatched by Spain but still highly-regarded and seen as worthy occupiers of a place in the last 16. Despite their talent, and the number of excellent players in their squad, Chile will definitely have their work cut out as they attempt to progress to the Quarter Final stage for the first time since they finished third in 1962. The talented Alexis Sanchez of Italian side Udinese, surprisingly subbed during Chile's 2-1 defeat to Spain, will provide his side's main attacking threat alongside Humberto Suazo, Chile's sixth highest all time goalscorer. My score prediction, rather boringly, would be 2-1, unless Chile manage to open the scoring. If Brazil score first they will almost certainly dominate and be in a position to exploit the space left by the Chileans as they search for an equaliser. Marcelo Bielsa has proven himself to be an excellent coach, but I believe Brazil will have slightly too much for their fellow South Americans, who may come to regret not taking advantage of their domination of play against Spain and having a slightly easier time of it facing Carlos Quieroz' Portugal.
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