*** The late but Offical Match Thread: Holland v Mexico***

[TomandJerry]

Decent game so far, both teams have had good chances

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Not quite sure which is more bizarre: Van Gaal's bouffant hair or playing Dirk Kuyt as a left back

 

[perseus]

3-5-2 (wing-back system) will get exposed. 4-3-3 (or 4-4-2) is the only basic shape for winners.

Whether Mexico, Costa Rica or Greece will be able to expose is a different matter though.

Holland (and other 3-5-2 systems) often resemble 4-4-2 at times so it doesn't count for much, just like a 4-4-2 when the full-back goes forward and nobody is covering.

I have predicted a draw after 90 minutes.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Great game so far

 

[Goldstone1976]

Is it just me, or are Holland already just starting to show the dirty, devious play they used in 2010 to try to win (eg RvP blantant shirt tug, Robben dive)? They're a wonderful side, but such poor losers if things don't go their way.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Dutch in serious danger of blowing this by changing winning ways. Van Persie looking a bit isolated.

 

[TomandJerry]

I might have underestimated Mexico, they look like they want to win!

 

[perseus]

I think the Holland system is daft. There are players wide who are not involved in the game.

 

[Postman Pat]

I think the heat could be the deciding factor in this one especially with 5 over 30's on the pitch for Holland, and Mexico could spring a surprise.

WTF is a cooling break!!!

 

[Pavilionaire]

I admire the Dutch for the way their players can adapt. Would Ricky Lambert have the technique or skills to play left back? Giovanni Van Bronckhurst also shifted from world class mdfielder to World Cup finalist left back.

 

[TomandJerry]

First cooling break of the world cup

 

[Goldstone1976]

Hoddle: "Their major strengths are Robin and Van Persie"

Yes, I know it was Robben...

 

[TomandJerry]

I can't get why they just don't stop the clock during the cooling break instead of adding extra time, it's more accurate

 

[Pavilionaire]

How many cooling breaks will there be in Qatar?

 

[TomandJerry]

How many cooling breaks will there be in Qatar?

It depends how well the stadiums are air conditioned

 

[Seagulltonian]

Seems like have the crowd in the stand opposite the cameras have gone for their "cooling break" about 10 minutes before half-time!

 

[TomandJerry]

Mexico to win on penalty's

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Dear Baby Jesus
Can you please fix it for Adrian Chiles only to be shown from the waist up for the rest of today.

Thank you and Amen

THPP

 

[Meade's Ball]

I want Robben to be horribly hurt in his 3rd unfounded penalty claim. His flails will be real and his own team along with the ref will leave him lying there a mess, his body slowly drying in the heat.

 

[Seasidesage]

I want Robben to be horribly hurt in his 3rd unfounded penalty claim. His flails will be real and his own team along with the ref will leave him lying there a mess, his body slowly drying in the heat.

You didn't think that was a penalty?