Examining the tactics and the match-ups, this could be the most lopsided pairing we see in the knockout round. Everything the Dutch do well seems to attack areas where the Slovaks are lacking, and playing two good holding midfielders capable of canceling-out Slovakia's best player, the Dutch give the Slovaks have a diminished chance to response. Whereas the Netherlands have yet to show the dynamism most expect from the Oranje, Monday could be see a break-out preference from one of the soccer world's favorite teams.
World Cup 2010, Netherlands Vs. Slovakia Preview: The Round’s Biggest Mismatch
Netherlands, Going Forward: The Dutch are starting to realize the importance of Arjen Robben, with the team having scored only four goals in three matches. The Danes contributed a fifth, own goal, and while five goals in three matches is nothing to worry about, the Dutch attack is still failing to live up to expectations.
Today, that likely changes. Slovakia allowed five goals in three matches against a Group F with a series of unimpressive attacks. Perhaps as important, the Slovak back line is failing the eye test, with Jan Durica having a particularly poor tournament. Against Paraguay, the defenders had trouble dealing with high pressure, and against Italy, the Slovaks almost collapsed against an Italian team that offered little ingenuity in attack.
Wesley Sneijder's passing will open up the spaces in defense not already being created by Robin van Persie's movement. Dirk Kuyt will be able to use the space, and Rafeal van der Vaart's tendency to come too far inside from the left wing could prove helpful, allowing Sniejder to become more dangerous as a goal scorer.
Slovakia, Going Forward: Robert Vittek's opportunism has accounted for three of Slovakia's four goals, but midfielder Marek Hamsik's improved play against Italy, there is reason to believe the Slovaks may have another route. Vittek and (if he plays) Stanislav Sestak should be able to get chances against the Dutch back line, but in order for Hamsik to utilize the attackers, he and coach Vladimir Weiss will have to find a way of dealing with Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommell.
The Netherlands’ two defensive midfielders (and the simultaneous use of them) are the reason why many hope this Dutch team can be different than its predecessors, and in order to get around them, Weiss may have to use Hamsik wide. This could increase the captain’s defensive responsibilities (dealing with fullbacks Gregory van der Weil or Giovanni van Bronckhorst), but it will also give Weiss a consistent avenue into attack.
If Hamsik can be deployed wide right (which is less likely than left), he can help pin-back van Bronckhorst, take advantage of the converted midfielder’s defense, and (if he eventually draws one of the defensive midfielders wide) create space for Sestak and Vittek.
How The Match Turns: If the Slovak defense does not improve on their group stage form, the best Slovakia can hope for is a shootout, and this is not a shootout team. However, if the Slovaks can play well at the back, the Dutch will have to deal with Hamsik else expose themselves to an upset.
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