It has been an honour to work with these guys. This is definitely a highlight in my life! #3rd #wc2014 #dutchlions pic.twitter.com/djPlAeASrz
— Jonathan De Guzman (@jdeguz) July 12, 2014
Louis Van Gaal’s approach
Van Gaal had his side setup in his usual 5-3-2 formation with wingbacks but he lost Wesley Sneijder to a hamstring injury during the warm-up, so he had to draft Jonathan De Guzman into Sneijder’s role. The Netherlands boss kept his conservative approach with Arjen Robben as a supporting striker who had to drop into midfield to help out in the build-up play, while Robin Van Persie had to play off the defensive line of Brazil.
Out of possession, the Dutch had to drop their defensive line to the edge of their penalty box and soak up pressure. Wing-backs Dirk Kuyt and Daley Blind would press Brazil’s full-backs. Georginio Wijnaldum and De Guzman had to pick up Gustavo and Paulinho, Brazil’s the holding midfielders, while Jordy Clasie would protect the defensive line behind him by picking up Brazil’s central attacking midfielder, who was usually Oscar.
In possession, Kuyt and Blind needed to push beyond the halfway line leaving the three central defenders keeping the defensive line. In central midfield, only Clasie had to stay as the protective midfielder, while Wijnaldum and De Guzman could play more advanced roles in wider midfield areas.
Key tactical changes
The return of Thiago Silva and Scolari’s changes to his starting XI could not completely exorcise the Selecao’s defensive mistakes. Brazil’s full-backs were slow with their recovery runs, which left the hosts vulnerable on the flanks during quick transitional play.
By the second-half Scolari had to chase the game by sacrificing his defensive midfielder Gustavo to add impetus to Brazil’s attacks. He introduced Fernandinho, who is more comfortable on the ball, then Hernanes came into central midfield shortly after.
Brazil improved their ball possession but Netherlands defended well and a desperate Scolari was forced to turn to a 4-4-2 formation in the last quarter of an hour. Oscar and Willian were cutting in from the right and left flank respectively, while full-backs Maxwell and Maicon were pushing well into the Netherlands’ half.
With Hernanes frequently breaking from central midfield and Hulk coming on up front to join Jo as the twin strikers, the Selecao were vulnerable against counter attacks.
Netherlands did not need any tactical changes because they limited Brazil’s chances, but they eventually took advantage of the risky Brazilian play by adding an extra goal in stoppage time.
