Wednesday 9 July 2014
FIFA World Cup 2014: Netherlands vs Argentina
MATCHDAY PREVIEW – The second semi-final at Brazil 2014 features another tussle for supremacy between Europe and South America, with the Netherlands and Argentina renewing acquaintances in Sao Paulo. The two teams most famously contested the Final in 1978, when Argentina won 3-1 after extra time to record their only success in four FIFA World Cup™ meetings with the Oranje.
Their hopes of posting a second could well depend on Lionel Messi, who has driven the team forward in Brazil and regularly made the difference, with a haul of four goals and one assist so far. Performing a different role than he does for Barcelona, Messi pulls the strings for La Albiceleste thanks to his exceptional ball protection, devastating bursts of speed and precision passing.
If he does, Van Gaal will be hoping his team can retain their attacking edge. Seven different players have found the net for the Netherlands at Brazil 2014, and two of them have hit a trio of goals – including the in-form Arjen Robben.
He will have to make do without injured lieutenant Angel Di Maria, but the player whose absence will arguably be felt most is Nigel de Jong. Missing his favourite midfield enforcer, Louis van Gaal could be tempted to change his system, deploying a pair of holding players to keep Messi quiet.
The Bayern Munich winger has been caught offside 21 times overall, but he is never afraid to try his luck in front of goal and brings energy and intensity to the forward line. That said, it would be short-sighted for either side to focus on Messi and Robben alone, with the likes of Robin van Persie and Gonzalo Higuain having already shown their pedigree in Brazil.
