The favorite of Mexico vs. Netherlands appears to be the latter with the higher scoring percentage, but could the prediction of any game outcomes be based on just the ratio of goals versus shots made? That's for you to find out - watch the game online through free live stream below.
The Mexicans will play Netherlands for their opening knockout round at FIFA World Cup 2014 on Sunday, June 29. The highly anticipated match, featuring some of the top strikers and player combinations, will start streaming live at 9 a.m. PT / noon ET on television at ESPN or the free live stream below (subscription unnecessary).
As a prelude to today's match, Netherlands won three of six head-to-head matches, with Mexico winning twice and one draw. Netherlands has shown a shooting accuracy of 80 percent, hitting the net 33 out of 41 times, but Mexico has shot at only 44 percent, scoring 15 out of 34 strikes. You can make a conclusion that the Dutch will win the game, but let's go a little bit deeper in the analysis.
Dutch coach Van Gaal could be forced to switch from the 5-3-2 formation that has been successful since starting World Cup due to players' injuries. Bruno Martins Indi suffered a concussion against Australia, and Lebroy Fer is ruled out by a hamstring injury. As a replacement for Martins Indi, former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyut started in the game against Chile, and is expected to start again in Sunday's match. Netherlands will also have their Captain Robin van Persie return from missing the last match for two yellow cards. Arjen Robben and van Persie combined for six goals in the group stage. From the back, Wesley Sneijder provided solid support to Robben and van Persie, forming the Dutch's veteran attacking trio.
Mexico's Javier Hernandez, who played for Manchester United, ended his 11-game international goal drought after putting in his side's third goal in a 3-1 win over Croatia on Monday, which sealed their place in the knockout stages for a sixth straight World Cup.
After making the goal, Hernandez was left in tears. He later shared how he had lacked confidence because of his more than a year without a goal for Mexico.
Mexico have dominated Group A to qualify for the Round of 16 by beating Cameroon in their opening game and holding hosts Brazil 0-0.
"We have to stay very calm, very humble and not get carried away," said Hernandez, the Gulf News reported. "This is just one more step forward, a very important one, but just one more step. If we want to make history we have to beat the Netherlands and keep moving along the path we've set out for ourselves."
The teams have played mostly a 3-5-2/5-3-2 with wing backs making the strikes. Opponents have had trouble dealing with those runs. Sunday's match will unveil whether either side will be able to disrupt the opponent's rhythm. El Tri (Mexico) will likely put Rafa Marquez and Mexican center backs to defend against Robben and van Persie.
Whoever wins the match will play the winner of the Costa Rica-Greece match.
The match held at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza will be aired online, and can be watched online through the live stream here (free without or without cable subscription).
