World Cup on Sunday: Mexico takes on strong Netherlands squad
KNOCKOUT STAGE
NETHERLANDS VS. MEXICO
Where: Fortaleza. Time: 9 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, Univision.
The buzz: This could be one of the most interesting matchups of this World Cup given that the teams couldn’t be more different. The Dutch lead the tournament in scoring with 10 goals, and Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa has managed two shutouts. Two Dutch players — Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie — had three goals each in group play; Mexico has scored just four times as a team. One thing both teams share, though, is they are both on a roll: Mexico has lost just twice in 13 matches under Coach Miguel Herrera, and the Netherlands has lost just once since September 2012.
COSTA RICA VS. GREECE
Where: Recife. Time: 1 p.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, Univision.
The buzz: Costa Rica earned its place in the knockout round by stunning Uruguay and Italy, then drawing England to win its group. Greece, on the other hand, slipped in almost unannounced, scoring just twice in group play — the second time on a penalty kick in stoppage time to win for only the second time in a World Cup game. That second goal, which gave the team a place in the knockout stage, was the latest goal to assure passage out of group play in World Cup history. Although Costa Rica’s four goals have come from different players, its attack is run by forward Joel Campbell, who will be playing against four of his teammates from Greek club Olympiakos. Greece could be missing goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and midfielder Panagiotis Kone because of injuries.
