JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – Slovakia face the mighty Dutch today hoping to keep their giantkilling run alive and join Germany and Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Having already accounted for holders Italy in the group stage, the World Cup debutants will need to be at their very best in Durban against a Netherlands team that have a perfect record so far.
Fans in Johannesburg will be watching impatiently to see if Brazil can show some of their customary flair when they meet underdogs Chile in today’s other match.
The Samba Boys will need to show more style than they have in dull displays so far to match the powerful performance by Argentina, who beat a tough Mexico 3-1 yesterday.
That Argentine win set up a quarter-final clash with Germany, who crushed a pedestrian England 4-1.
Chile start as real underdogs against the five-times champions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
They have lost seven matches in a row against their Latin American rivals, conceding 26 goals in the last five years.
They also lost their two previous World Cup clashes in 1962 and 1998.
To compound matters, Brazilian playmaker Kaka is back after suspension and Robinho, rested for the Portugal match, will almost certainly play.
Brazil also tend to thrive against teams like Chile who like to attack, making themselves vulnerable to counter punches.
Like Chile, Slovakia would have to produce another huge performance if they are to reach the quarters, and are likely to play the same line-up that stunned Italy last week.
