Australia – Holland

Netherlands will look to repeat the fantastic performance they put on against Spain. Such a feat might not be wasy to pull off, but it might not matter too much against the Socceroos.

Australia entered the World Cup in wretched form, and knowing the quality in the squad is very poor. The Socceroos were losers of 5 of the last 8 matches and playing really bad, but their performance against Chile was better than expected, despite the 3-1 loss. After Chile quickly opened up a 2-0 gap, Australia was the more dangerous team, creating chances and even scoring once, all until the South Americans made it 3-1 in overtime. It was pretty clear that Australia lacks quality, but they do have heart and can create some chances with a rejuventated Tim Cahill up front. Nevertheless, Chile wasn’t exacty as good as expected either.

Louis Van Gaal’s Holland has played the best match of the World Cup so far, destroying Spain 5-1 after initially falling behind due to a penalty. Spain was not the same team as in the last 6 years, but Netherlands was just brilliant, and you could have expected them to be: great form over the last couple of years, great players, fantastic manager. This is a side that can create chances, bang in the goals and cover handicaps – this will be their aim today as well.

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

Australia will miss regular right back Franjic due to injury. Netherlands has no squad problems ahead of this match.

Australia: Ryan – McGowan, Davidson, Wilkinson, Spiranovic – Milligan, Leckie, Jedinak, Bresciano, Halloran – Cahill

Netherlands: Cillessen – Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind – Martins, De Guzman, De Jong – Sneijder, Robben – Van Persie

When you get praised for a 3-1 defeat against a sub-par Chile team, that`s an indication that you aren’t exactly too good of a team. The Socceroos are hands down the worst side in the group and they have very little hopes of challenging Netherlands today. They were dangerous trough Cahill’s headers against Chile, but surely the 34 year old can’t replicate that one man show performance against a team like the Netherlands. I don’t expect Holland to repeat the performance against Spain, but even if they don’t, they should get an easy win here. The difference in quality and form is huge between the two teams and Australia is very shaky in defense, which will be a big problem against the likes of Van Persie, Robben or Sneijder. Netherlands would love to qualify after this game, they might meet a very motivated Chile side in the last match, so motivation will be at 100%, no doubt about that.

My tip is Netherlands to win and cover the 1,5 handicap. My only problem with this bet is that after the win against Spain the odds have plummeted on the handicap, but it is at it is and the bet is still worth it – Netherlands should have no problem banging in the goals. With all due respect, Australia is not exactly the team to produce an upset at this World Cup. Prediction: Australia – Netherlands 0-3.

Pick: Netherlands (-1,5)
Odds: 1.72 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 7.20
Event date: 18 June