First of all it’s a great moment for Costa Rica to reach this far in the world cup considering they were in the group of death. Costa Rica had a very slim chance to make it this far, and thus we never know if they would pull up more surprises.

On the other hand Netherlands has been very flexible in the formation switching frequently from 4-3-3 to 5-3-2 .Both the teams would be put to enormous test as we know that heat conditions had forced Netherlands into cooling breaks.

Netherlands, however has a rough history behind them as we know how they have a hat trick of defeats in the world cup finals as well as they also failed to qualify in 98 and 2002.

Also Costa Rica has nothing to lose and this factor would make them go all out against the Dutch.

Here are some of the important statistics from both the sides..

NETHERLANDS

The Dutch have till now scored 12 goals with one goal every 30 minutes and every 4.6 attempts. Majority of the goals have been scored in the second half between the 60 -90 minutes span. The Dutch have been dangerous in the penalty area , with the dribble in the penalty area being 18 ,more than the tournament average of 9.The crosses are an area where the Dutch side have not done so well at 56 less than the tournament average of 58.

From the defending angle, the Dutch have been decent at saving standing at 11 almost equal to the tournament average of 10.8.They have been lethal in recovering balls from the opponents standing at 165 and also the tackles have been much more.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has modest numbers when it comes to attacking ,with only 5 goals scored so far ,one every 78 minutes and every 6.4 attempts. Also the attempts have been way less than the tournament average of 43.On all the factors of attacking like Dribble and deliveries into penalty area, crosses, Costa Rica are behind the tournament Average.

From the Defending angle, Costa Rica has really appreciating numbers, thanks to the defense in the team as well as the famous goal Keeper Navas. Costa Rica has good numbers when it comes to the goal saves, Clearances, tackles as well as the balls recovered all greater than the tournament average.

So, we can expect a thrilling match, as we can never under estimate the underdogs!!!

Prediction: Netherlands beating Costa Rica 2-1!!!

– Meet Chhagani [Meet is a sports analyst for the Football Galaxy at Sportz Cosmos. You can reach him at the gmail id: sportzcosmos]