The Netherlands vs Colombia international friendly match will take place this Tuesday, November 19, 2013 (11:30 AM Pacific) at the Amsterdam ArenA. This match will certainly be one of the most interesting friendly matches during the FIFA calendar, as both of these teams are considered to be two of the most talented national squads in the world. This friendly will feature two of the top strikers in the world; the Dutch Robin Van Persie and the Colombian Radamel Falcao.
The Oranje come into this game after a disappointing draw to Japan. A game in which they lead 2-0 they allowed the Japanese to get back and come away with a draw. Arjen Robben has been very vocal and is demanding his national team to be more focused. Despite going through some what of a transition period after being runners up in the last World Cup (in South Africa), Holland is still expected to be one of the top teams in next year’s tournament after a disappointing Euro Cup last year.
The Netherlands will focus on feeding the ball to Robben and Van Persie when they face Colombia in this friendly match. This teams knows that they will have to play better at home if they do not want to be defeated by a Colombian national side that looked strong against Belgium. The man who will try and contain Falcao will be Ron Vlaar who will look to use his strength and defensive awareness to corral the Colombian attacker.
Colombia on the other hand comes into this game after an impressive 2-0 win against; a Belgium side that had not lost in 9 games. After having some sub-par performances to end their qualifiers, Colombia reminded the world what they are capable of accomplishing when they have their cylinders clicking. James Rodriguez was once again the catalyst in the middle and he will need to keep creating plays in the future if Colombia wants to advance deep into next year’s World Cup. Luis Muriel who has not played much for coach Jose Pekerman got the start last game alongside of Falcao, and despite not scoring he looked impressive on the pitch. Teo Gutierrez has usually got the nod up front but with his current on-going issues with his club, players like Muriel, Martinez, and Ibarbo are certain to get a chance to start up front in place of him.
Netherlands vs Colombia Prediction
The Netherlands vs Colombia match will certainly be a test for both as they keep preparing forBrazil 2014. Colombia will arrive into Amsterdam looking to show their critics that they belong at the top of the rankings along national sides like Spain, Germany, and Argentina. This match will bring some of the most talented players in the world to face each other. Despite the Netherlands playing at home, I expect this match to end 2-1 in favor of Colombia.
Netherlands vs Colombia TV Schedule
The Netherlands vs Colombia match will be televised on ESPN3.com on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 11:30 AM Pacific.
