The World Cup continues today when the Netherlands take on Mexico in the knockout stage. The match is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the World Cup Odds for the match have the Netherlands favored to win this one.
The Netherlands played in the last World Cup finals, falling to Spain in South Africa. But now they are back and have been playing with a sense of determination in this World Cup, beating up on everyone in their group stages and winning all three games. But they'll take on a Mexico squad that is very good in today's match.
Mexico finished in second place for their group stages, tying Brazil with seven points each. Brazil had a better goal differential and also picked up a win in their Round of 16 match, besting Chile in penalty kicks yesterday.
Which team will come out poised and ready to go today? The Netherlands have been playing like an unstoppable force despite coming into the World Cup with some uncertainty. They have a very young group on the pitch but Louis van Gaal has been pushing all the right buttons as The Dutch have marched their way to this point.
Mexico has been methodical, consistent and impressive to watch. Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez have been putting things together on the offensive end of the pitch and could prove to be an important force today. Mexican goalie Guillermo Ochoa has also made a big name for himself, coming up big in each of their games during the group stages.
But in this matchup we like both Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to prove to be the difference. Both have played exceptional and will be the difference in today's match.
Free Pick: Netherlands 2, Mexico 1
World Cup Soccer Picks: Costa Rica vs Greece
What soccer bettors need to know Costa Rica vs Greece on Sunday (6/29/14) -- a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with added insight from Marco D'Angelo.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat — CLICK TO JOIN
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!