World Cup: Monday’s matches
ROUND OF 16: NETHERLANDS VS. SLOVAKIA
Where: Durban. Time: 7 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision. Radio: Sirius/XM, KLYY-FM 97.5 and KDLD-FM 103.1.
The Argentines and the Germans have thrown down the gauntlet. Now the question is whether the Dutch can pick it up and also reach the quarterfinals. It will take a victory over upstart Slovakia, which charged into the knockout round, ousting world champion Italy along the way, behind three goals by forward Robert Vitteck. Winger Arjen Robben might make his first start at South Africa 2010, unless Dutch Coach Bert van Marwijk elects to save his prized asset for later, more problematic, games. A mild calf strain that caused Rafael van der Vaart to curtail his training session on Sunday might force Van Marwijk’s hand. “They play differently with and without Robben,” said Slovakia Coach Vladimir Weiss, “so it will be a surprise for us whether he will play from the beginning or not, because he is a world-class player.” In the quarterfinals, the winner will play the winner of Monday’s game between Brazil and Chile.
— Grahame L. Jones
ROUND OF 16: CHILE VS. BRAZIL
Where: Johannesburg. Time: 11:30 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision Radio: Sirius/XM, KLYY-FM 97.5, KDLD-FM/KDLE-FM 103.1.
There are no secrets between these two South American neighbors, who have met 65 times in a rivalry Brazil has dominated. Brazil, the five-time World Cup champion, hasn’t lost to Chile since 2000 and has gone 8-1-1 against Chile in the nations’ last 10 meetings. The teams have met twice in the World Cup, both times in the second round, and Brazil won each time. But that’s history. Brazilian Coach Dunga, who has never lost to Chile as a manager, isn’t taking anything for granted. “Now we get to the stage where the 90 minutes will be decisive. Mistakes are not allowed or you will be going home,” he said. “Chile has been improving, it has a team with good players and will fight very hard to keep advancing.” Brazil was unimpressive in cruising through its group unbeaten, while Chile shut out Honduras and Switzerland before losing to Spain and finishing second in its group. But Chile will be missing three starters — central defenders Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce, who both got their second yellow cards in a physical first half against Spain, as well as midfielder Marco Estrada, who was sent off in that game. Brazil, on the other hand, is getting three starters back — playmaker Kaka, midfielder Elano and striker Robinho, each of whom missed the group finale with Portugal for differing reasons. Notably, that was the one game in this World Cup in which Brazil didn’t score. But Dunga’s side will be missing midfielder Felipe Melo and reserve midfielder Julio Baptista, are hurt.
— Kevin Baxter
