It is a complicating factor that neither
the Netherlands nor Chile will want to dwell on before Monday’s game at
Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.Arjen Robben clocked 37 kilometres (23 miles)
per hour, a record for a footballer, as he inspired the Netherlands’ deconstruction
of short-passing Spain.But it remains to be seen if the Bayern Munich flyer
will again hit the heights in Monday’s run-out, effectively a precursor for the
knock-out challenges ahead.
Robben and Manchester United’s Robin van Persie have
lit up this World Cup with three goals each and more will be needed if the
Netherlands are to reach their second final in a row.
Coach Louis van Gaal, who
will link up with Van Persie at Old Trafford next season, will be looking for
more solidity after some distinctly worrying moments against Australia.Against
one of the tournament’s least fancied teams, the Netherlands were trailing 2-1
early in the first half before Van Persie and Memphis Depay spared their
blushes.
“I needed to change something at half-time to boost their confidence
and change their mindset,” said Van Gaal.
“Fortunately it turned out ok, but it
could have turned out differently. To recover and correct that situation showed
a lot of mental strength.
”The Dutch may find themselves against an under-strength
Chile after Juventus star Arturo Vidal and Internacional’s Charles Aranguiz
both skipped training on Friday.Both Aranguiz and Vidal, who is on a yellow
card, came off injured during the 2-0 win over Spain, which sensationally ended
the European champions’ title defence.
But Vidal said he had no concerns about
picking up a second yellow card which would earn him a one-match ban, ruling
him out of Chile’s round of 16 game.
“This squad is showing how great it is and
that’s why I’m not thinking about that yellow card, nor that I could be
suspended,” Vidal told Chile’s El Mercurio newspaper.
“I just hope to play and
be in the group, that’s the mentality of this group,” he said.Midfielder Carlos
Carmona, who could be promoted to the starting line-up if either Vidal or
Aranguiz is ruled out, said the squad was strong enough to cope with their
absence.
“Eventual suspensions are something normal in these tournaments, but we
have players who can replace anyone in such an eventuality,” said the
27-year-old Atalanta player.
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