2. Netherlands
Despite the loss to Argentina in the semi-finals, I believe the Dutch deserve the number two spot more than the South American side because of their offensive domination. The two nations were quite similar with their defensive aspects, but offensively the Netherlands rode their oppositions defenses freely.
With Robben up top, who won the Bronze Ball Award for third best player in the entire tournament, and Robin Van Persie, whose stunning header against Spain won best goal scored of the tournament, showed signs of danger at almost any moment of any game.
Agreed, some games were tougher than others, but the danger was always there.
Looking at the Costa Rica game, Holland dominated the entire match but were unable to find an opening against the arguably best defense of the tournament.
Defensively, Holland proved to benefit from the five defender scheme. The Netherlands only conceded four goals in eight games and completed 88 percent of their clearances.
Goals Scored: 15 (2nd)
Goals Conceded: 4 (8th)
Completed Passes: 78% (8th)
Attacks: 270 (4th)
Shot on goal per total shots: 71% (2nd)
Possession: 50% (16th)
Completed Clearances: 88% (7th)
Saves: 18 (9th)
