Brazil has firmed into World Cup favouritism through some outstanding performances at this tournament. Now it faces its toughest challenge thus far against the Netherlands, who will need to turn on the sparkle if it is to go any further.
The Dutch have been uncharacteristically mechanical and dour in their approach through to the quarterfinals.
But the important factor is they are now in the final eight.
It’s hard to see the same approach being successful against an in-form Brazil.
Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder was forced to deny a rift between Robin van Persie and himself after the Arsenal man was substituted during the 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Van Persie has scored once at this Cup, but has looked like a man returning from injury with his touch and finishing affected – the ball and altitude is no longer an excuse.
Another man making a steady return from injury is the Dutch barometer, Arjen Robben.
The Bayern Munich winger is a world-class player and the Netherlands have already benefited from his presence.
His goal against Slovakia, where he came inside before punching a shot into the bottom corner of the net, was top shelf.
It leaves boss Bert van Marwijk with the option of using the growingly more common tactic of switching his wingers’ sides.
Liverpool man Dirk Kuyt is on the other side of Robben and one will need to make Brazilian full back Maicon accountable for his defensive duties.
Maicon is capable of going forward and showed his potential with the class goal he produced when Brazil was in need against North Korea.
Holding midfielders and the strikers will be key again, and it’s here the Dutch need to record tactical wins.
The Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong pairing need to contain the irresistible Kaka and teammates Robinho and possibly Dani Alves.
In hindsight, Kaka’s controversial suspension came at a good time, giving him a game rest before the knockout stages.
Elano has been ruled out and will be missed, but given the replacements in this Brazilian squad, Dunga won’t be scratching his head.
It’s believed Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura will get the nod for this game.
He enjoys a smile out on the pitch and has averaged four yellow cards in three games at this tournament.
His only red was given to Uruguayan substitute Nicolas Lodeiro on the opening night.
Only the best officials remain, but van Bommel and de Jong need to be careful their fouls aren’t professional early on, or they will be forced into leaving Kaka and the like skipping by in the second half.
Gilberto Silva has a similar role alongside either Ramires or Felipe Melo, rated a less than 50 per cent chance of returning.
Controlling Sneijder will be part of their role, while Robben and Kuyt will both drift inside to cause problems.
But it’s Luis Fabiano who will cause Dutch central pairing of John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen plenty of trouble.
He is a handful and he is in form, something that can’t be said for van Persie at the other end.
Lucio and Juan are a fine defensive duo and the Dutch will need van Persie to lift his game.
The Arsenal man along with the trio of attacking midfielders need to sparkle and play adventurous and enterprising football if they are to progress beyond this stage.
An early goal could force their hand, but the mechanical style will need to expand to something more typically Dutch, a little more dazzling, or this will be the end of the road.
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