Preview Netherlands – Brazil

Netherlands have lives up to the stereotype that Dutch football is immaculate, having won all their games in the World Cup up to now, with a 100% record, better than even Spain and Brazil. But their coach, Bert van Marwijk is being criticized for being unable to adopt a liberal style of attack. Netherlands have played their football with style and glamor, making the games exciting for the views but generally fruitless. But they should be optimistic this time, as the 4-2-3-1 formation has been effectively crushing their opponents, scoring goals upfront. Holland have beaten Denmark, Japan and Cameroon in the group stages and then marched past Slovakia in the last 16 without any trouble. Arjen Robben has made a full recovery but Robin van Persie has yet to play for Holland. As far as effectiveness goes, Wesley Sneijder was the most brilliant on the field, and Friday's game will be on his shoulders again. One of the most impressive teams in the World Cup has been Brazil, demolishing their opponents without mercy. With two successive wins against North Korea and Ivory Coast and then a seemingly effortless draw with Portugal and an even easier game with Chile made them top the Group G and propelled them through the last 16. But the media has not been so pleased of Brazil. Although probably the most popular international team of all time, mainly because of their stylized game play, the current Dunga-led team has not given much attention to the aesthetics of the game. Brazil haven't been boring per say in the World Cup either, although not that spectacular on some occasions. They demonstrated this in the game against Chile where they effortlessly controlled the game and scored three times. Watch the game live on our website in the special World Cup 2010 Highlights section!