Netherlands-Mexico Preview: In-form Oranje set to battle Fortaleza heat

Louis Van Gaal. Photo: Getty Images

Runners-up at World Cup 2010, Netherlands have quickly established themselves as one of the sides to watch in Brazil having emerged spectacularly from a dangerous group, yet in last-16 opponents Mexico they face a treacherous task.

Not only will the Dutch have to battle tenacious and streetwise foes, they will also have the elements against them in Fortaleza’s Castelao stadium. Temperatures in the shade have regularly topped 30 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day, so their lunchtime kick-off against the North Americans promises to be one of the most draining slots in the whole tournament, writes Robin Bairner in goal.com

Louis van Gaal’s side have equipped themselves superbly when tested previously, however. Spain were spectacularly hammered 5-1 in their opening game, while dogged Australia were seen off 3-2 in their second match. And Oranje’s perfect record was maintained when they dismissed Chile 2-0, ensuring they finished the group stage as the competition’s most prolific side.

Ahead of this test Nigel de Jong, Daley Blind, Arjen Robben and Stefan de Vrij all trained separate from the group with minor knocks, though they are expected to be fit, while Robin van Persie makes his return from suspension. Leroy Fer is definitely missing, however, and there are doubts over Bruno Martins Indi, who is suffering from concussion.

Miguel Herrera. Photo: Getty Images

In Mexico they face dangerous opponents. Wins over Cameroon and Croatia proved the qualities of Miguel Herrera’s side, who also showed a steely face when they held the hosts to a scoreless draw.

That match against Brazil also took place in Fortaleza, so the Mexicans have some idea of what to expect from Estadio Castelao, though with an earlier kick-off, conditions will likely be tougher for a team that has so far played an intense pressing game.

Twice previously the Mexicans have advanced to the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, though both of these occasions came on home soil, and in each of the last five competitions they have fallen immediately after successfully negotiating the group phase.

If this history counts against them, el Tri can draw upon a more encouraging record with regards their recent history against European sides in the competition - they have lost only two of their last 11 fixtures.

While there are no injured players in Mexico’s ranks, a suspension for Jose Juan Vazquez could prompt a change of system that may see Javier Hernandez start for the first time in Brazil, though this is by no means certain.