Showing posts with label argentina. Show all posts
Marcos Rojo confirms Man Utd deal
Marcos Rojo looks set to complete his €20m move to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.
The defender confirmed that he is to join Louis van Gaal's side in an interview with Argentinian radio Continental.
“It feels like a dream, to be a Manchester United player. Leaving Sporting wasn’t easy,” he said.
The 24-year-old added that he had spoken to former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron about the club when they were team-mates: “He told me about them when we played for Estudiantes.”
It has been claimed that the World Cup star will sign a four-year contract, with the option of extending the deal for a further year with Nani heading the other way.
The deal could be completed as soon as tomorrow with Rojo expected to fly into Manchester later today to complete his medical.
Rojo apologised to Sporting Lisbon on Sunday evening after refusing to train in an effort to push through the move to United.
“I was hot-headed and I’m sorry. I’ll be back with the rest of the squad tomorrow,” he said.
“Sporting signed me when I was not at my best and gave me the opportunity to play for a big club in Europe. I would like to thank the trust they had in me and I will resume training on Monday.”
Van Gaal was in the market for a left-sided defender to bolster his 3-5-2 system given the three recognised centre-backs in his squad, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, are all predominately right-sided.
source: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/transfer-window/marcos-rojo-confirms-20m-man-united-move-30519332.html
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Lionel Messi almost joined Arsenal
Madrid: Some leading sports websites are claiming that Lionel Messi was interested in a transfer to English Premier League club Arsenal before signing an extension with the Catalan giants in May 2014.
The 27-year-old was locked in contract extension talks with Barcelona & reportedly bonus payments was a cause for concern for both parties.
Leading Spanish website Vozpopuli claimed that Messi had asked Barca teammate & former Arsenal midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, who joined Chelsea in the summer, to talk to his agent Darren Dein about a move to the London based club.
Messi has a buy-out clause approximately around a whopping 197 m Pounds & the Argentine player earns a massive 16 m pounds a year in wages.
World Cup Trophy damaged by unknown German Player
The Germany's football association chief (DFB) revealed that one of the team's players has damaged their FIFA World Cup trophy.
Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final after extra-time to win the 4th world title in their history, after 1954, 1974 and 1990.
The German squad was welcomed home to jubilant scenes & toured Berlin with the trophy - but they may have celebrated a little too hard as it has been damaged by an unknown member of the team.
"At one point, a small piece of our World Cup trophy was chipped off," DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach is quoted as saying. "But do not worry! We have specialists on the case who can fix it."
"We have investigated persistently who it was that damaged the trophy, but the investigation was concluded without a result."
Luckily though, the cup they have been given by FIFA is a replica of the World Cup trophy they were presented with at the Maracana on July 13, which was estimated to be worth over €10 million (£8m).
Fifa, wisely so, tends not to trust football associations with the trophy after the original World Cup award, the Jules Rimet trophy, had been stolen for good in 1983 from Brazil after being targeted by thieves for a long time.
Germany on top of FIFA Rankings
Germany on Top of Football World
Paris: Germany's victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup has seen them climb to the top of FIFA's world rankings for the first time in about 20 years.
The latest list witnesses Germany moving up to 1st place on back of their 1-0 defeat of Argentina at Maracana.
Meanwhile Messi's Argentina are placed 2nd (an improvement of three places) with the Netherlands leaping 12 places up to 3rd after their impressive World Cup 3rd place finish.
The James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia have moved up to 4th (+4), ahead of Belgium (+6) and Uruguay while devastated & disappointed Brazil dropped 4 spots to 7th.
Costa Rica's remarkable world cup campaign was rewarded with a jump of 12 places to 16th.
England's first round drubbing resulted in dropping 10 places to 20th.
Former World Champions Spain fell 7 spots to their new, less than impressive placing, of 8th with Switzerland and France (+7) completing the top 10.
Latest Rankings:
1. Germany (+1)
2. Argentina (+3)
3. Netherlands (+12)
4. Colombia (+4)
5. Belgium (+6)
6. Uruguay (+1)
7. Brazil (-4)
8. Spain (-7)
9. Switzerland (-3)
10. France (+7)
11. Portugal (-7)
12. Chile (+2)
13. Greece (-1)
14. Italy (-5)
15. USA (-2)
16. Costa Rica (+12)
17. Croatia (+1)
18. Mexico (+2)
19. Bosnia and Hercegovina (+2)
20. England (-10)
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Messi on cover of FIFA 15
Lionel Messi will be gracing the cover of EA Sports' FIFA 15, and it will be the 3rd consecutive year the Argentine great has graced the front of a soccer video game, and the 7th overall.
Messi, who bagged the World Cup 2014 Golden Ball as the tournament's best player despite the fact that he could not save Argentina from losing in the final of FIFA World Cup, appeared on the cover of FIFA 13 & FIFA 14. He was also the cover star for Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer from 2009 to 2011.
Messi, argueably the best player in the world, scored 28 goals for FC Barcelona this season & then 4 in the World Cup.
FIFA 15, scheduled to be launched on Sept. 23 for PS3, PS4, Windows PC, Xbox 360 & Xbox One, is trying to implement the new "emotional intelligence" to create more real lifelike reactions in the players. FIFA 15 will have more advanced ball physics and team tactics.
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Messi gets Golden Ball
Lionel Messi has won the Fifa Golden Ball as the best player of World Cup 2014.
Messi, who won four man of the match awards throughout the tournament but did not influence the final against Germany in Rio de Janeiro in the way that he would have liked, was chosen from a 10-player list of candidates who were announced on the eve of the final, with seven of the nominees coming from the finalists, Argentina and Germany.
His man of the match performances came early in the competition against Switzerland, Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Aside from Messi, Argentina had two nominees – Ángel di María and Javier Mascherano. Germany provided four candidates: Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Müller.
via: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/13/lionel-messi-golden-ball-award-world-cup
FIFA WORLD CUP 2014: GERMANY CROWNED CHAMPIONS
Germany 1 - 0 Argentina
Germany is the winner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, lifting the Trophy for the 4th time in history after narrowly defeating Argentina 1-0 courtesy of an extra-time goal by Mario Gotze at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
The substitute, Goetze, settled the contest that was in the balance from the first minute till the last with a finish of amazing composure given the circumstances, pressure & surroundings. His strike proved the difference, with Argentina unable to respond in what little time remaining, which added another star to the Europeans' crest following their triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
Though Germany very much contained Messi in the 1st half, the superstar caused alarm before the break when he galloped along the right touchline & to the near post before being crowded out by a combination of defence & goalkeeper. However, at the other end, composed play by Miroslav Klose set up Kroos for a shot that was simple for Romero.
There was still time in an ecstatic period for defender Benedikt Howedes to thunder a header from Kroos’ accurate corner against Argentina’s right post, with Muller ruled offside as he attempted a rebound from close range.
The pace from the outset of the extra time was relentless; Schurrle smacked straight at the keeper, Aguero looked for a colleague from the left at the conclusion of a counter-attack & saw none, while substitute Rodrigo Palacio looped the ball over Neuer but lost control after taking down a fine Marcos Rojo inswinger in space.
Then, with only 7 minutes of the 120 remaining, the decisive moment arrived. Schurrle fought past 3 Argentina defenders on the left flank, drawing Sabella’s charges out of shape & clipping over them to Gotze. The 22-year-old’s technique was exquisite, cushioning the ball on his chest and volleying at an awkward height, finding the far corner of the net to write his name into German and World Cup football history books.
via: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255959/match=300186501/match-report.html
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Messi gets Golden Ball
German Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer Wins Golden Glove
James Rodriguez wins Golden Boot
Pogba wins Young Player Award
Related:
Messi gets Golden Ball
German Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer Wins Golden Glove
James Rodriguez wins Golden Boot
Pogba wins Young Player Award
Germany vs Argentina: a Clash of Cohesion & Individual Brilliance
FIFA World Cup 2014, Brazil: Final
Germany vs Argentina
The conditions are favourable for Germany to win their fourth World Cup, to join Italy as second only to Brazil, and complete the transformation to a new style of play and a new future.
They cruised through what can scarcely be called a match against Brazil, able to save energy after the fifth goal at the 29-minute mark; they’ve had one additional day to recover, not usually a considerable advantage, but certainly so this time when wedded to the pair of extra-time impositions faced by Argentina.
Consider also that Angel Di Maria is probably out or, at best, to play at less than maximum readiness, and this is a final that Germany have been given, and have taken, every advantage to win.
Their progress mirrors very closely that of Spain four years ago, whereby the nucleus – at least six players and probably seven by the end of the game – plays together at Bayern Munich, and has been winning together over the past three years, making them a more complete team from 2010.
They are able to control games much better when playing the "Bayern way", and have crossed the threshold of success in club football, which as Spain demonstrated can be transferred to the international game.
All one needs is a core of the team who know each other so intimately, and are so confident in any situation having faced it all before, that the Die Mannschaft becomes less a national team than a club team.
This is the essence of the challenge the new century has thrown Australia, the central tenet being that cohesion, understanding and familiarity are the most vital characteristics for success.
But this final is not all about Germany – far from it. The Argentinians have heeded the same lessons.
Of the semi-final triumph on penalties against the Dutch, six players won the World Youth Cup in 2005, including Lionel Messi, a further three in 2007.
This is an Argentine generation built by the great Jose Pekerman, who took Colombia further than expected despite the absence of Falcao. It too represents more a club team than a national one.
In the white corner, the finalist has been built by an entirely new vision of youth development, an investment in coaching and programs probably unprecedented in the history of the game over the past 14 years, youth international football – six players in the starting 11 have won the 2009 under-21 European championships – and finally the Bayern finishing school, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.
In the blue and white stripes, ladies and gentlemen, we have players who know each other intimately from the under-20 and Olympic level, and who later graduated to the greatest clubs in the world.
There are both international and club relationships on the field. Messi and Javier Mascherano play together at FC Barcelona. Gonzalo Higuain and Di Maria previously played for Real Madrid.
More than half the players in both sides are in a World Cup final seven years or less after winning a major youth title, and the vast majority have experienced considerable European club success.
Quality and cohesion – two virtues in abundance on both sides.
Following a dismal return for Asian teams in Brazil, it is clear that for the region to compete with these critical success factors, we need solutions that lead to far, far higher investment that equates to quality competition, and the only solution is for a pan-Asian super league.
This would deliver the broadcast rights capable of eventually competing and exceeding that of big European competitions, and begin to draw talent enough to provide this part of the world with its own champions league-level competition.
We are the most populous, we have the fastest escalating resources while Europe struggles economically, and our path must be to band together for the good of one another, and the continent’s football future.
But, back to the final.
All this analysis is, of course, perfectly logical, but ignores one thing – the presence of individual greatness. This is what Germany lack.
This final is, therefore, going to be won by the most complete and cohesive team, Bayern Munich essentially, or by a team of lesser quality but with the finest individual in the world.
This is what makes the anticipation so sweet. The world wants to know whether the great Messi can overcome the strongest national team at this moment, whether his genius can deliver his passionate countrymen to the holy land, as Diego Maradona did in 1986.
The stage is thus set for an almighty encounter, and we can ask for no more.
One man being talked about as among the greatest who ever pulled on the boots, working beneath the shadow of probably the best who ever played, Maradona, with one realistic chance remaining in his third World Cup, in South America, with a stadium full of blue and white.
The lessons for Australia, and Asia, will be debated in coming days and months, but for now a historic moment is upon us.
One man will deliver his team and his nation, or the opposing country will take another step closer to challenging Brazil for supremacy.
If Germany win, they will probably win another in four years’ time and the power dynamics will have altered.
If Argentina win, we will witness the coronation of a football god.
We hold our breath.
FIFA announces Golden Ball candidates
adidas Golden Ball candidates announced
As a memorable 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ draws to a close, FIFA has officially announced the names of the ten players in the running for the adidas Golden Ball, which is awarded to the competition’s most outstanding performer.
- Angel Di Maria (Argentina)In providing Lionel Messi with the best possible support, Di Maria has led the Albicelesteattack with distinction, posing a constant menace to opposing defences with his long-range shooting, mazy dribbling and finishing skills, which he showcased with a well-taken winner against Switzerland in the Round of 16.
- Mats Hummels (Germany)The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.
- Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals – all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.
- Philipp Lahm (Germany)The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.
- Javier Mascherano (Argentina)Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing the Albiceleste rearguard with essential protection.
- Mats Hummels (Germany)The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.
- Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals – all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.
- Philipp Lahm (Germany)The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.
- Javier Mascherano (Argentina)Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing the Albiceleste rearguard with essential protection.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi added to his FIFA World Cup goal tally with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches in Brazil. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.
- Thomas Muller (Germany)
In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Muller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.
- Neymar (Brazil)
Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading A Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.
- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)The flying Dutch wide man has been in peerless form since putting defending champions Spain to the sword in his side’s opening match. His incisive runs from deep have been a feature of the tournament.
Messi added to his FIFA World Cup goal tally with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches in Brazil. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.
- Thomas Muller (Germany)
In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Muller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.
- Neymar (Brazil)
Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading A Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.
- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)The flying Dutch wide man has been in peerless form since putting defending champions Spain to the sword in his side’s opening match. His incisive runs from deep have been a feature of the tournament.
- James Rodriguez (Colombia)Recognised as a huge talent heading into the competition, the gifted Rodriguez has since proved his ability to rise to the big occasion. His haul of six goals in five outings was a major reason why Los Cafeteros broke new ground in reaching the last eight for the first time.
The winners of the adidas Golden Ball, Silver Ball and Bronze Ball will all be announced after Sunday’s Final.
source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=adidas-golden-ball-candidates-announced-2403393.html
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FIFA World Cup 2014: Contenders for Golden Glove
FIFA World Cup 2014: Golden Glove Award
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ have witnessed some remarkable displays of goalkeeping from Guillermo Ochoa’s spectacular stop from Neymar, to Tim Howard’s record-breaking 16 saves against Belgium.
There’s also been a string of fine displays from Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, penalty heroics from Sergio Romero and an almost Libero-esque display from Manuel Neuer in Germany’s clash with Algeria.
And it is the two Finalists, Neuer and Romero who head in FIFA’s Technical Study Group’s shortlist for the best goalkeeper at Brazil 2014.
Keylor Navas (CRC)
The Levante stopper was arguably Costa Rica’s best player at Brazil 2014, including a match-winning display in the Round of 16 tie against Greece. Making 21 saves in Los Ticos’ five games, he was awarded the Budweiser Man of the Match Award on three occasions. At 26-years-old the best years of his career are firmly ahead of him.
The Levante stopper was arguably Costa Rica’s best player at Brazil 2014, including a match-winning display in the Round of 16 tie against Greece. Making 21 saves in Los Ticos’ five games, he was awarded the Budweiser Man of the Match Award on three occasions. At 26-years-old the best years of his career are firmly ahead of him.
Manuel Neuer (GER)
The Germany keeper has played in all of the Nationalelf’s six games so far, making 25 saves and completing 202 passes. He’s kept three clean sheets and been a commanding presence for Joachim Low’s side so far. After winning a host of domestic honours, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA World Cup and the Golden Glove is now in his sights.
The Germany keeper has played in all of the Nationalelf’s six games so far, making 25 saves and completing 202 passes. He’s kept three clean sheets and been a commanding presence for Joachim Low’s side so far. After winning a host of domestic honours, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA World Cup and the Golden Glove is now in his sights.
Sergio Romero (ARG)
Penalty shoot-out saves from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneidjer sent La Albiceleste into the final, capping a fine tournament for the 27-year-old so far. The Monaco keeper has kept four clean sheets, making 15 saves in Brazil 2014 so far. Brought into international football by Diego Maradona, he has been Argentina’s first choice keeper for five years.
Penalty shoot-out saves from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneidjer sent La Albiceleste into the final, capping a fine tournament for the 27-year-old so far. The Monaco keeper has kept four clean sheets, making 15 saves in Brazil 2014 so far. Brought into international football by Diego Maradona, he has been Argentina’s first choice keeper for five years.
source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=finalists-in-contention-for-golden-glove-2403278.html
FIFA World Cup 2014: Neymar Thankful He's Not in a Wheelchair Now
Neymar Jr Injury
Brazil star striker Neymar cried as he recalled the injury, saying "God blessed" him and prevented a more serious injury. Neymar had to stop talking for several seconds, lowering his head and putting a hand in front of his eyes.
Brasilia, Brazil: Neymar became emotional when talking Thursday about the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, saying that if the knee to his back had been slightly more to one side he "could be in a wheelchair" right now.
The Brazil striker cried as he recalled the injury, saying "God blessed" him and prevented a more serious injury. Neymar had to stop talking for several seconds, lowering his head and putting a hand in front of his eyes.
"It's difficult to talk about a move that (happened) in such an important moment of my career," he said.
Neymar fractured his third vertebra when defender Juan Camilo Zuniga hit him from behind in a challenge late in the quarterfinal match against Colombia.
"If it had been 2 centimeters to the center...," he said, struggling to stay composed. "I could be in a wheelchair."
The 22-year-old striker complained about Zuniga's challenge, although he said the Colombian called to apologize.
"I don't know if he was trying to hurt me, but if you understand football you know that it was not a normal challenge," Neymar said. "I can't protect myself when I'm not facing the play. The only thing that can protect me from someone coming from behind are the rules. I couldn't protect myself and I ended getting hurt."
Neymar had been recovering at home but returned to the team's training camp on Thursday. He will travel with the squad to Brasilia to support them in the third-place match against the Netherlands on Saturday.
Neymar said the injury led to "the worst week of his life," one that culminated - in his absence - with Brazil's 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the semifinals. He said he didn't know how to explain what happened, and that it would be "unfair for this group" to be remembered by that result alone.
"It would have been all right to lose, but not like this. It was unbelievable, inexplicable," Neymar said. "I don't have the words to explain what happened."
He said the loss was "part of football," and that he thought Brazil had the potential to rebound and win the next World Cup.
"We can't lower our heads," he said. "It will hurt for a long time, but better days will come."
He wished luck to Germany and Argentina in Sunday's final, but said he hopes the South Americans will come out on top. He plays at Barcelona with Argentina stars Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.
"I'm not cheering for Argentina, I'm cheering for my teammates," he said.
Neymar said that it would be good for football to have Messi winning a world title.
"He deserves to be a world champion," he said. "I'm Messi Football Club."
Louis van Gaal Reveals reason behind Semifinal Loss
Argentina vs Netherlands
"I asked two players ahead of Vlaar to take the first penalty," van Gaal said.
"They refused. Vlaar in my view was our best player. Unfortunately he didn't score," he added.
"Our penalties against Costa Rica were incredible. That should have given us confidence," said van Gaal.
"You have to maximise the first penalty shot,"
Van Gaal said he would have brought in Tim Krul, the replacement goalkeeper , who faced the penalties shootout & starred in victory against Costa Rica, to take over from regular goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
"But I had already used my 3 substitutes at that time."
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Romero takes Argentina to Final
FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina vs Netherlands
Sergio Romero inspired Argentina to a 4-2 victory over the Netherlands on penalties and FIFA World Cup Final for the first time since 1990.
After 120 goalless minutes in Sao Paulo, the 27-year-old Romero repelled Ron Vlaar’s spot-kick before making a stunning save from Wesley Sneijder to send the Argentines into a showdown with Germany at the Maracana for the Trophy.
The first half was a very tense, chance-shy affair. Messi had Argentina’s best opportunity, with a centrally-positioned free-kick from the edge of the box, but he curled it straight into the hands of the Netherlands' goalkeeper Jasper Callisen.
Ezequiel Gonzalez bravely ducked his head between flying boots from a corner, but the he was unable to keep his effort down, while the sliding Ron Vlaar did well to intercept a low Ezequiel Lavezzi cross before Gonzalo Higuain could pounce on the chance.
The Netherlands, however, struggled to get the ball to danger man Arjen Robben and failed to force Sergio Romero into a save before the half-time.
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Orange and blue collide in second Semi Final
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.
FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina's Angel Di Maria Ruled Out of Semifinals
Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the World Cup semifinal against the Netherlands with a thigh injury while striker Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play after recovering from a similar problem.
Di Maria limped off the field in the first half of Argentina's quarterfinal win over Belgium after straining a muscle in the back of his right thigh.
Team doctor Daniel Martinez on Sunday said tests showed it was a "first-degree" strain - the mildest kind but added that Di Maria wouldn't be fit to play in Wednesday's semifinal. (Also read: Argentine Coach Wanted Di Maria to Play Semis)
Martinez said Aguero, who sustained a similar injury 10 days ago, had recovered in an "excellent" way.
Losing Di Maria is a big blow for Argentina as it prepares for its first World Cup semifinal since 1990. Besides Lionel Messi, he's been the team's most influential player in Brazil.
Di Maria scored the extra-time winner against Switzerland in the second round and set up Gonzalo Higuain's winning goal in the first half against Belgium on Saturday.
"He's a key player in this project," Higuain said of Di Maria.
The last time Argentina reached the semifinal stage in the World Cup was 24 years ago in Italy, when it made it to the final but lost 1-0 to West Germany.
via:-http://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2014/news/226577-fifa-world-cup-2014-argentina-s-angel-di-maria-ruled-out-of-semifinals
