Robben's Klass Shows As Oranje Sneak Into Quarters

Robben going down after a challenge from Rafael Marquez.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

It was so close to being a La Rambla from Mexico. Miguel Herrera yelled 'No Manches!' (no way) when the referee pointed for a Dutch spot kick. Another 5 minutes and Chihuahua along with the whole of Mexico City would have went 'loco'. They bossed majority of the game, compounded with Louis Van Gaal's men being well below their best and credit has to go to Mexico for that. But in the end, as Dutch Airlines KLM tweeted, it was 'Adios Amigos' for Mexico as it was a case of 'close, but no cigar' for them.

Netherlands never really threatened Guillermo Ochoa's goal after Mexico had taken the lead, and a few comments were raining in after the 'cooling break', with the temperature cracking 39 degrees Celsius.

Ochoa has been the keeper of the tournament thus far.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Wesley Sneijder on the other hand, had his best game in the World Cup, given the license to roam and cause havoc to Rafael Marquez and Co, but Robin Van Persie apparently was not on the same wave length. The Dutch also have Dirk Kuyt to thanks, after the 33-year-old blonde put in a shift and then some, playing left-wing back and then shifting flanks after the hour mark.

After looking at the penalty incident again, and again, and again, I have to agree with the referee as he got the decision spot on. Yes, Robben might have exaggerated but, the bottom line is, there was contact from Marquez and that has to result as a penalty.

The Dutch though have a lot to do if they harbour hopes of going into the latter stages of this competition, as Costa Rica will give them a right good go.

Joel Campbell never stopped running throughout the 120 minutes.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Had the referee not send off Oscar Duarte, the Central Americans would have coasted through into the last eight. Yes, Greece did get back into the game, but they were totally poor in front of goal despite having a couple of glorious opportunities with a numerical advantage on the break.

Keylor Navas providing a marvelous save to earn Costa Rica their
first ever quarter-final berth.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Jose Luis Pinto though, will have a bit of tactical reshuffling to do, in order to get a proper shape against Louis Van Gaal and the Dutch, as the Oranje will most certainly be looking to play on the break. Disallow them that opportunity, and they struggle big time. That match preview though will be done a bit later. Now, on to today's matches.

Germany v Algeria

I have a feeling that many Die Manschaaft fans will be hoping Joachim Loew's men go for the jugular and rack up a stack of goals tonight, but I do not for once think that will happen. Algeria are no pushovers, not by any stretch of the imagination.

Easily mistaken for Antonio Banderas, is Joachim Loew.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Defensively resolute, they are aware on how to absorb unsurmountable pressure, and spring on the break to catch out opponents, as South Korea found out. For Germany to do well, they'd have to play an out-and-out centre forward to get in between Madjid Bouguerra and Esseid Belkalem, as even Nabil Bentaleb will be tasked to shield the Algerian defence.

The Hitman has been in fine form.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

German efficiency will be put to the utmost test today, and they cannot be wasteful in front of goal. Too much cute play, and they could be in for a long night, but due to the class in their arsenal, I have to tip Germany for this one, albeit a low-scoring affair.

My take: Germany 1-0 Algeria

France v Nigeria

At this moment, the French seem like the most cohesive European unit, and yes, many will be surprised to hear that. But after a long time, there can be no rumblings heard from the French camp, unlike days gone by when murmurings were always building.

That is credit to Didier Deschamps and his choice of players, with Karim Benzema finding after long last, his goal scoring touch. The defence has been tight up to now, though do not be surprised to see Nigeria get a goal with Ahmed Musa in impeccable form.

The trio of Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena look like a cogent mix, and would take some stopping, with Blaise Matuidi able to slot in at any given moment. France could just have too much for the Nigerians here.

My take: France 3-1 Nigeria