вторник, 24 июня 2014 г.

World Cup 2014 report: Dutch delighted to probably swerve Brazil

Fer the win: Chile's aerial vulnerability was exposed by the Dutch

Group B is the first to be settled: Chile finish second, with the Netherlands progressing from top spot. Adam Shearwood looks at how the Betfair markets have reacted.

The Netherlands have seen their odds tumble for 2014 Winner following a 2-0 victory over Chile, as Betfair customers react to the likelihood that the Oranje will avoid a Last 16 showdown with Brazil, and instead face the less-daunting challenge of either Mexico or Croatia.

The Netherlands are now 10.5n/a fifth favourites to lift the trophy, in from 13.5n/a before kick off.

Louis van Gaal's side seem to be reaping the rewards of a low key build-up to the World Cup, when few were expecting them to top the group of death. The Dutch were available at a generous price of 46.045/1 to lift the trophy and 5.04/1 to top the group, before their day one dismantling of Spain.

For Chile, the match provided a rude awakening. Their prospects of lifting the trophy have lessened - 28.027/1 from 20.019/1 pre-match - now a knockout match versus Brazil is likely.

They will certainly need to better defend set pieces against whoever they face in the Last 16, as their lack of height was horribly exposed by unmarked substitute Leroy Fer in the 77th minute of this game. Fer rose to bury a free header and land at odds of 34.033/1 for those who'd backed the Norwich man to be first goalscorer.

Chile will, however, be relieved to see the back of Arjen Robben for now. The Dutch winger was again superb - unplayable most of the time - and his form is crucial as to how the Netherlands will fare in this tournament. His match-winning abilities are surely only rivalled by Messi, or perhaps Neymar, at this World Cup. Robben may well be the man to back for the Golden Ball award handed out to the player of the tournament.

In the battle for the Group B wooden spoon, Spain showed their greater quality in the final third to run out 3-0 winners over an Australian team unlucky to finish with no points following their wholehearted, disciplined and attacking approach to the competition.

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