Posted by Jacob Nitzberg, ESPN Stats & Information

When the Netherlands takes on Brazil in Port Elizabeth on Friday, it will be the first meeting between the two sides in more than a decade. However, to fans of the Netherlands, exits from the 1994 and 1998 World Cups at the hands of the Brazilians surely feel like yesterday.

These have been two of the more exciting teams to watch thus far at the World Cup, as the Brazilians and the Dutch rank third and fourth in goals scored. The Brazilians have created loads of opportunities to score, as they are second in the tournament in shots with 74, and lead the tournament through the quarterfinal stage in chances created (passes from teammates that lead to shots) with 63.

While the Brazilians have had more chances, the Dutch have been more accurate with theirs. The Oranje's 58 shots are just 10th in the tournament, but their 29 shots on target ranks third. Their 50 percent shooting accuracy is the best of any team remaining in the World Cup and third overall. In addition, the Netherlands is averaging 10.8 chances created per match -- its lowest since the stat was first tracked in 1966. However, the Oranje are averaging a goal for every 6.1 chances created, their best-ever total at a World Cup.

While the high-scoring trend does not have to stop, both teams will not be able to maintain the possession advantage they have enjoyed thus far. Brazil is averaging 57.5 percent possession, third-highest, while the Netherlands is right behind at 55 percent. A good portion of this comes from each team's passing accuracy, as Brazil's 86.5 percent ranks third while the Netherlands' 85.4 percent is fifth-best.

Another reason for Brazil's possession advantage is its "six-man" defense strategy employed by coach Dunga. Their holding midfielders, usually two from the group of Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo and Ramires, have controlled the ball beautifully, a big reason why the Seleção have conceded just twice thus far, both times with a two-or-more goal lead. In fact, the Brazilians have not conceded more than one goal in a World Cup match since a 2002 group stage matchup with Costa Rica, a span of 14 matches.

The Netherlands has been just as good defensively, also allowing just two goals, both coming from the penalty spot, which makes the Dutch the only team in the World Cup yet to concede from open play. However, to keep that record intact, the Netherlands will need to be careful not to commit too many men forward and become susceptible to counterattacks, a strategy Brazil executed perfectly in its 3-0 quarterfinal win over Chile.

Overall, these are two teams that are strong both offensively and defensively, and should provide an even and entertaining matchup. While it seems obvious, the key to this match will be which team is able to break down its opponent and score first. If it turns out to be Brazil then look out, as the Seleção are 53-2-4 when scoring first and have won all 46 matches in which they have taken a two-goal lead.