Aus-Ned Preview: Dutchmen aim for swift qualification

Aus-Ned Preview: Dutchmen aim for swift qualification

Manager of Netherlands Louis van Gaal looks on during the Netherlands training session at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil held at the Estadio Beira-Rio on June 17, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images
Manager of Netherlands Louis van Gaal looks on during the Netherlands training session at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil held at the Estadio Beira-Rio on June 17, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

No time to dwell on celebrations. The Netherlands are set to leave behind their historical win over Spain as they lock horns with Australia in Porto Alegre on Wednesday.

The Dutch produced one of their best performances in recent history with the landslide 5-1 win at Arena Fonte Nova, which served as a revenge for 2010's defeat in South Africa, but the players are focused on securing a place in the last 16 early.

Coach Louis van Gaal should return to his classic 4-3-3 formation after lining up his players in a 5-3-2 last Friday, which means Jonathan De Guzman may lose his place in the middle for Jermaine Lens in attack, writes Matheus Harb in goal.com

Like defender Ron Vlaar, Daley Blind gave his boss an injury scare after missing a training session, but is set to take his place alongside Nigel De Jong and Wesley Sneijder as Bruno Martins Indi occupies his original spot at left-back.

If the soon-to-be Manchester United manager Van Gaal chooses to maintain his experiment, though, De Guzman could be dropped in favor of Georginio Wijnaldum or Jordy Clasie.

Coach Ange Postecoglou of Australia during a training session of Australia on June 17, 2014 at Estadio Beira Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images
Coach Ange Postecoglou of Australia during a training session of Australia on June 17, 2014 at Estadio Beira Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

As for Australia, Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to stray from his 4-2-3-1 formation used in the 3-1 defeat to Chile, a performance that led to some praise for the Socceroos despite the result. The only known change should be at right-back, as Ivan Franjic's World Cup has reached an end when it was confirmed he had torn his hamstring against Chile. Centre-back Ryan McGowan could be selected, although Alex Wilkinson is also an option.

The Australians seem determined to give their all as they will have a last shot of making any impact on the tournament, as midfielder Mark Bresciano pointed out. "We have all experienced what the World Cup is all about now and we will be ready from the first minute", he said. "We are here to try and make history. We want to make a statement in this World Cup."

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