Netherlands vs Argentina - Competition: World Cup Semi-finals
Netherlands look to return to the World Cup final when they clash with
Argentina on Wednesday at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo.
The Netherlands are now happy to be in the semi-finals at the World Cup in Brazil.
But it was a tough way to come so far. Especially in the quarter final
against “los ticos” from Costa Rica. Now they know why Italy, England or
Uruguay couldn’t defeat the Costa Rican team. The Netherlands took the
control of the game but couldn’t create many chances or break through
the Costa Rican defence. Despite the fact that Oranje started with their
old 4-3-3 system with 3 strikers, it wasn’t an offensive spectacle. But
as the time passed by the Netherlands became stronger and stronger but
the massive Costa Rican defence prevented the leading goal for Oranje.
Costa Rica almost totally gave up their efforts to score a goal. It
seemed as they have always wanted to reach the penalty shoot-out. After a
free kick Sneijder just hit the goal post and after 90 minutes plus 30
additional minutes the penalty shoot-out was needed to decide who should
win this one. In the end it was a deserved victory for Oranje, they
have been the better team over the 120 minutes, with the lack of scoring
the needed goal. Against Argentina in the semi-final it will become a
different game.
Argentina team was the third team to qualify for
the semi-finals at the World Cup 2014. It was a highly awaited game in
the quarter finals between Belgium and Messis – “albiceleste”. But it
was a very poor and disappointing performance from both teams. Maybe it
was because of the early goal in the 6 minute through
Higuain. After the 1:0 Argentina stopped playing and Belgium seemed to
be unable to create chances or to score the equalizer. You have to admit
that with Garay and Demicheles the Argentinian defence worked pretty
well. Belgium has a massive offence potential but wasn’t a threat for
Argentina. Di Maria who assisted the leading goal had to be substituted
after an injury in the first half. He was with Messi one of their best
players so far at the World Cup and will now probably miss at least the
semi-final against the Netherlands. It would be a big loss, especially
after Agueros loss earlier in the tournament. At least Higuain could
score his first World Cup goal and will now have more confidence for the
next match.
Possible Lineups:
Netherlands (3-5-2): Cillessen – de Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi – Kujt, Wijnaldum, Blind, De Guzman, Sneijder – van Persie, Robben.
Netherlands (3-5-2): Cillessen – de Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi – Kujt, Wijnaldum, Blind, De Guzman, Sneijder – van Persie, Robben.
Argentina (4-3-3): Romero – Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo – Biglia, Mascherano, M.Rodriguez – Messi, Aguero, Higuain.
Match Date: Wednesday, 9 July
Kick Off Time: 17:00 Local / 21:00 BST
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Kick Off Time: 17:00 Local / 21:00 BST
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
