Today’s blockbuster tie brings the ruthless Netherlands against Chile to determine who ends up in first and second in Group B.

Where to watch –

The game kicks off at 12 PM EST/9 AM PST, and if you are currently in USA, this is where you can catch this mega clash –

English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes or ESPN Deportes+

Referee –

Bakary Gassama (Gambia)

Starting lineups – 

Netherlands: Cillessen, Vlaar. De Vrij, Blind, De Jong, Janmaat, Sneijder, Robben (c), Kuyt, Lens, Wijnaldum

Chile: Bravo (c), Mena, Isla, Silva, Sanchez, Vargas, Gutierrez, Medel, Jara, Aranguiz, Diaz

Netherlands –

The 2010 World Cup runners-up started the tournament in style by thrashing Spain 5-1. They followed that up with yet another gutsy 3-2 win over a daring Australian side. With 2 wins out of two, they are at least guaranteed to progress into the next round.

Chile –

The Chileans have been a surprise package this World Cup, who are also on 6 points – on par with their opponents today. Since both the teams are through to the next round, they are simply vying to finish top of the group. They will be in a confident mood, having dispatched Spain away 2-0 in their last match which saw their title defense end unexpectedly early.

Statistics –

Taking an average over the two games they have played, Netherlands have had over 7 key passes throughout the game to Chile’s 5. They have carved out 10 goal scoring chances per game, while Chile have only managed 6. Not only have the Dutch taken more shots (14 per game as per 9 per game for Chile), they also boast a better shooting accuracy (79% compared to Chile’s 60%).

While Netherlands look much superior based on sheer numbers, they will be wary of certain individuals in the Chilean team who can hurt them, like midfielder Arturo Vidal. The Juventus schemer has scored 11 goals from central midfield, which happens to be the highest among both the teams. Also, their center forward pairing have both, scored and created more goals than their Dutch counterparts.

Prediction –

It will be exciting to watch Robben come up against Chilean defenders. Vidal might have a huge role to play in trying to put a halt to the fluent and purposeful Dutch passing, while also try and add to his 11 goals he has scored.

Alexis Sanchez could have some joy out wide, which could be a game-changing aspect. All in all, a hugely exciting game is in prospect, and given the fact that they are both qualified and have nothing to lose, they will play with utmost freedom with nothing held back. I expect a lot of goals to be honest, however fail to pick out a clear winner. I would go for a high scoring draw.

Netherlands 2-2 Chile

Do you feel that these insights are helpful? Have anything to add to them? Do you think there will be someone else who will shine today? Also, do you agree with my predicted scoreline? What do you think will the score be? We want to know! So do share your views with us in the comments section below!