Elephants defence in for a testing time tomorrow

June 15th, 2006 | By: Ade Lamidi | 6 Comments »

I am not sure how what striking formation the Dutch will use against Cote d’Ivoire tomorrow but in Arjen Robben, Ruud Van Nilsterooy and Robin Van Persie, they have a striking trio that can do damage to any defensive unit.

Arjen Robben is quick, Ruud Van Nilsterooy is clinical in the box and Robin Van Persie can knock in balls from set pieces so the Ivorian defensive unit of Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure,Arthur Boka and Abdoulaye Meite will have their work cut out in stopping the Dutch strikers from doing any damage.

Against the Argentinians, Cote d’Ivoire defence were cut napping for both goals and I expect the Dutch to use the same tactics tomorrow.

How can the trio be stopped? I have three solutions

Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure will need to deny the Dutch midfielders any time and space on the ball.

Also, Arjen Robben should be denied the space to run at defenders because he is very good at that.

And predator Van Nilsterooy will need to be kept out of the box 18. He scores must of his goals from within the box.

Any other ideas welcome.

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Comments

By Stuart | June 15th, 2006 at 2:29 pm

Defensive testing from Holland? Not necessarily. Holland wasn’t exactly threatening in their opener, with plenty of lack-luster effort all around. Perhaps they’ll have awakened for the match with your guys, I hope so as they play a pretty game when their on. I look for a good match, with your guys giving the Dutch a good test. I do think Holland’s ball control style will see them through for a win, but I don’t think it will be easy, and if they lack initiative, they can easily be taken by your guys. Good luck, and play well.

By Martijn | June 15th, 2006 at 9:10 pm

Robben will be hard to stop. The serbians put him as man-marked, but still robben got through. I want to see how IC will cope with his speed, as Van Nistelrooys Goal tactics. Van persie, i have to agree, i s amazingly fast, and could prove more dangerous than Robben. We will find out tomorrow. Good luck From Holland! Cheers

Posted from Oman

By Bidemi | June 15th, 2006 at 9:34 pm

Eboue has the task of marking Robben. He can cope with him, especially with Toure to clean up any mistakes.

Posted from United Kingdom

By ab initio | June 16th, 2006 at 7:29 am

I will not miss this match. I think it will be very exciting with attacking football, since Cote d’Ivoire need a win. Good luck and remember many teams won through better physical fitness in the final 15 minutes.

Posted from United States

By Jeffg | June 16th, 2006 at 11:27 am

hello Cote d’Ivoire people, u guys got a good team, its more less like brazilian team, lots of skilled players, i think u guys just need more experience of dealing with certain teams, that try to fool the referees and play dirty, Cote d’Ivoire played a great game against Argentina, i liked to watch, i hope u guys beat Netherlands and qualify for next round, hehe it would be good if argentina lose to Serbia and then netherlands made about this upcoming lose play hard agaisnt argentina sending argentina to home

so i hope netherlands and Cote d’Ivoire can make it, a good game to watch would be brazil and Cote d’Ivoire it would be so much skilled and full of gols, cya

Posted from Brazil

By Jan | June 16th, 2006 at 12:07 pm

Yo guys, have a good game! I fear the referee will play a major part in this game. Pace will be high, individual actions of the strikers and fierce defending could mean mucho setpieces (v Persie, Sneijder!) and maybe a red card here and there. I hope you and Holland progress, to be honest. Enjoy…

Posted from Australia