FIFA World Cup™ 2010: Preview - Netherlands vs Slovakia
| Date Time Venue Referee | : 28 June 2010 (RSA)/28 June 2010 (IDN) : 16:00 (RSA)/21:00 WIB (IDN) (live RCTI) : Durban Stadium, Durban City, South Africa : Alberto UNDIANO (ESP) |
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The Round of 16 game between the Netherlands and Slovakia pits one of the tournament favourites against a nation making its first FIFA World Cup™ appearance in its own right. Despite the obvious contrast between the star-studded Oranje and their lesser-known but close-knit rivals, it promises to be a fascinating duel.
In contrast to a number of Europe’s other big guns, the Oranje managed to assert their authority in their section, Group E, in which they were never seriously troubled. After beating Denmark 2-0 in their opener, they defeated Japan 1-0 to secure their berth in the Round of 16 before taking on an already-eliminated Cameroon in their first-phase fixture. Coach Bert van Marwijk used the occasion to run the rule over some of some of his squad players, and still came out 2-1 winners. The Netherlands’ strength in depth, along with the return to fitness of stand-out winger Arjen Robben, suggests the team are strong title contenders, though they will not be underestimating opponents that have already created one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far by undoing Italy.
For their part, Slovakia took some time to find top gear, but when they did it proved too much for the reigning world champions. The central Europeans showed their inexperience at this level in allowing New Zealand to secure a late equaliser in their opening fixture, and then were outplayed in a 2-0 reverse by Paraguay. However, they upset the form book with a gritty and skilled display to secure a memorable 3-2 win that put Italy out of the FIFA World Cup.
==============================In contrast to a number of Europe’s other big guns, the Oranje managed to assert their authority in their section, Group E, in which they were never seriously troubled. After beating Denmark 2-0 in their opener, they defeated Japan 1-0 to secure their berth in the Round of 16 before taking on an already-eliminated Cameroon in their first-phase fixture. Coach Bert van Marwijk used the occasion to run the rule over some of some of his squad players, and still came out 2-1 winners. The Netherlands’ strength in depth, along with the return to fitness of stand-out winger Arjen Robben, suggests the team are strong title contenders, though they will not be underestimating opponents that have already created one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far by undoing Italy.
For their part, Slovakia took some time to find top gear, but when they did it proved too much for the reigning world champions. The central Europeans showed their inexperience at this level in allowing New Zealand to secure a late equaliser in their opening fixture, and then were outplayed in a 2-0 reverse by Paraguay. However, they upset the form book with a gritty and skilled display to secure a memorable 3-2 win that put Italy out of the FIFA World Cup.
::: HEAD TO HEAD :::
Since using the name of Slovakia, both teams have not met before.
Since using the name of Slovakia, both teams have not met before.
| Netherlands | Slovakia | |
| - - - - - - | Match Played Wins Draws Losses Goal For Goal Against | - - - - - - |
But both teams have met nine times while still using the name of Czechoslovakia.
| Netherlands | Czechoslovakia | |
| 9 2 1 6 8 17 | Match Played Wins Draws Losses Goal For Goal Against | 9 6 1 2 17 8 |
FIFA World Cup™
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
| 05/06/1938 | TCH | 3-0 a.e.t | NED |
Continental Final
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
| 17/06/1980 16/06/1976 | NED TCH | 1-1 (0-1) 3-1 a.e.t (1-1, 1-0) | TCH NED |
Friendly
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
| 10/09/1986 30/08/1972 16/04/1969 06/11/1966 30/10/1960 29/05/1932 | TCH TCH NED NED TCH NED | 1-0 (1-0) 1-2 (0-1) 2-0 (0-0) 1-2 (0-1) 4-0 (2-0) 1-2 (1-1) | NED NED TCH TCH NED TCH |
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