Netherlands Slovakia Betting – Too Many Dutch Weapons For Slovaks To Handle
Online betting players watched Slovakia pull off one of the great upsets in World Cup history by eliminating Italy, but now their task gets tougher as they take on the two-time champions from the Netherlands on Monday. While Italy looked short of attacking options, that won’t be the case with the Dutch, who should roll to a comfortable win.
- What: World Cup Betting
- When: Monday, June 28, 10:00 AM ET
- Where: Durban Stadium, Durban
- Key Stats: Slovakia has won six and drawn one of their nine meetings with the Netherlands
The Storyline
The Dutch were one of two countries, along with Argentina, who won all three of their group matches, but you get the feeling they still haven’t played their best match. The Slovaks upset the defending champions from Italy 3-2 to make it to the second round, and now they’re aiming for another big scalp in the Dutch.
Who Has The Edge On Offense: Netherlands Slovakia Betting
Holland hasn’t played with the flair that normally accompanies their football, but they’re getting the job done. However, that flair may be returning now that Arjen Robben is back after sitting most of the group stages with a tight hamstring, and he made a brilliant 17-minute cameo in the 2-1 win over Cameroon in their finale. If Robben can stay healthy, he draws the defenses out to him, which gives space to Wesley Sneijder in the middle, and Robin van Persie up front. Prepare to see the Flying Dutchmen on Monday.
Robert Vittek’s three goals leads the World Cup, and he may not score two more important goals than the ones he notched against the Italians. He was a constant menace to Italy with his movement and late runs into the box, and Vittek will be the target man for the Slovaks again. The problem is, there isn’t much else. Vittek has scored three of Slovakia’s four goals, and the other one came from sub Kamil Kopunek. Someone else is going to have to step up for the Slovaks.
Edge: The NetherlandsWho Has The Edge In Defense: Netherlands Slovakia Betting
The Dutch defense is better than people give them credit for, and Maarten Stekelenburg has fit in comfortably as the No.1 keeper in his first international tournament. However, they did have some troubles with the pace of Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. With Vittek, a midfielder, as their main threat, look for Mark van Bommel to be a major part of slowing down the Slovaks.
Slovakia looked fine until the last 10 minutes or so against the Italians, and even then, they were beaten by quality goals. The Slovaks play a team game defensively, and there’s not one player you can single out for their success. However, they’re going to have to calm down against the Dutch or they’ll be torn apart.
Edge: DrawNotable Injuries – Netherlands Slovakia Betting
Robben (hamstring) is always a worry for club and country, but he should be ready to go for the Slovaks.
The Slovaks don’t have any major injuries to worry about.
Edge: SlovakiaTotals – Netherlands Slovakia Betting
This all depends on how adventurous the Slovaks are, because the Dutch are going to attack from the beginning. It may be in their best interest to sit back, but if the Dutch get an early goal, the Slovaks will have to come out.
Pick: Over 2Netherlands Slovakia Betting Prediction & Outlook
The Oranje are -225 favorites in this World Cup contest, while the Slovaks are listed at +720, and a draw is rated at +300. Strangely, the Slovaks have a great record against the Dutch, winning six and drawing one of their nine meetings, outscoring them 17-8. However, this is their first time meeting the Dutch as an independent country in the World Cup, as they were under the former Czechoslovakia before. As well as Slovakia played to beat the Italians, the Dutch are a much better team than the defending champions, and Robben has been in devastating form all season for both club and country. He’ll be the difference in a sports betting win for the Dutch.
