Match Focus: Key Components to Van Gaal's Gameplan vs Spain
It's perhaps the glamour tie of the first round of fixtures - arguably the group stages as a whole - and on just the second day of the World Cup no less. Spain face Netherlands in a repeat of the 2010 final, with the Dutch looking to thwart the reigning champions in 90 minutes once more.
In what will be Louis van Gaal's swansong before upping sticks for Manchester United, the Oranje have prepared a tactic that the coach believes will be able to prevent his opponents the space in which they so often thrive. Though there's a current of youth running through the Netherlands squad, Van Gaal looks set to field one of the most experienced XIs at his disposal.
Much of the tactical rethink is down to the fact that they will be missing key midfielder Kevin Strootman through injury, with the Roma-man's absence leaving that department of the side looking weak. In turn Van Gaal looks set to line-up with a defensive formation, with three centre-backs and wing-backs in the shape of Daryl Janmaat and Eredivisie player of the year Daley Blind.
The two will play a key role in keeping the likes of Silva and Iniesta quiet, with Spain's creative pairing likely to move between the lines and the flanks in Spain's fluid system. Both Janmaat and Blind impressed defensively for Feyenoord and Ajax respectively, averaging the second highest number of tackles per game for their sides last season (2.6 and 2.7). The former was dribbled past just 13 times over his 30 league appearances.
With the movement of La Roja's creative lynchpins representing the basis from which they create space for both themselves and others however, the man with the biggest task when it comes to limiting the room to roam will be Nigel de Jong. The AC Milan midfielder played a memorable role when the two met in South Africa in the last World Cup, most notably leaving his mark, quite literally, on Xabi Alonso.
When he's not fly-kicking opponents the 29-year old is mightily impressive at breaking up play, which will be crucial to the Dutch's game plan. De Jong made more than twice as many interceptions as any other Milan player last season (91), with a further 72 tackles accentuating his ability to ruffle some feathers in central areas.
While it's clear that Netherlands will be prepared to soak up Spain's attacking forays, their line-up will not merely be geared to defend quite like it was four years ago. The two holding midfielders - with the position alongside De Jong potentially up for grabs - will sit deep to allow Wesley Sneijder to pick out killer passes as and when he gets the chance.
The Galatasaray playmaker is the epitome of a classic number 10. If the team is not set up to allow him somewhat of a free role, he often becomes a wasted place on the teamsheet. Van Gaal clearly still values the former Inter and Real Madrid man despite his switch to the inferior Turkish Super Lig, and he'll be tasked with picking out a rather fearsome strike pairing on the counter.
The aim will be to utilise Arjen Robben's pace and direct running, with the Bayern man starting in a central role but drifting wide when Spain's full-backs are high up the pitch. Over 38 appearances in the league and Champions League last season the 30-year old contributed to 25 goals for Bayern Munich (15 goals, 10 assists). He's the threat that Spain will be worried about, ahead of Robin van Persie - the top scorer in World Cup qualifying (11 goals) - given that Robben's favoured right side could be left exposed by the more attacking of Spain's likely starting full-backs, Jordi Alba.
The Barca man will need to be willing and able to put in a strong shift at both ends on the back of an injury-ravaged season that saw him start just 14 La Liga matches. As many as 9 players won more tackles per game for the Catalans last season than Alba (1.5) and if he does get caught up the pitch there are few players better at exploiting voids left by defenders on the counter than Robben.
Spain will dominate possession, there's little doubt of that, and if Van Gaal's somewhat experimental back line switch off at any moment than the game may be beyond their grasp. Hold firm, however, and the Dutch may just have the perfect counter attacking formation to hurt the holders, in what should be an intriguing tactical match-up.
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