After the way most of the top teams have been shown up at some point in the group stages, you'd have to say that the Netherlands is now one of the very clear favourites for the tournament. For all people say about their lack of individual star quality and weak defence, they continue winning matches and conceding very few goals. Given their qualifying campaign they've definitely flown under the radar.
It will be interesting to see how Slovakia approaches the game. They went out aggressively against Italy, knowing that only a win could do them good. I'd imagine they would be a whole lot more cautious in the knockout stage. In fact I won't be surprised if Slovakia bunkers down at start of the game, trying not to concede early goal. They will grow in confidence as the minutes pile up, and hope to hit on a counter.Slovakia has such a interesting squad that can produce positive results, and I would like to see them do well today! My little man Stoch is going to give them heck today. Do it for all of us short football players:lol
Speaking of Stoch, I still have to find a place that has his Jersey in stock in a Large