Pre-Game Argentina vs Netherlands

Whatever expectations we had of the Semi-Finals it was completely shattered after Brazil1-7 rout by Germany. Now the second Semi-Final is in line. Will it follow the same suit? Read on as we analyse that. The Argentinians have reasons to breathe a sigh of relief as their star player Sergio Aguero is declared fit to play. It is comforting that several of the players have stepped up when needed and now the Argentine national team is functioning as more of a unit that a lone-man army led by Lionel Messi. The Dutch on the other hand too have no injury issues on their team and will hope to maintain their advantage they have against their South American rivals. The two teams faced formidable opponents in their Quarter Finals and barely managed to scrape through. It now remains to be seen what sort of tactics the respective coaches will employ.

Players to look out for:

As always, Lionel Messi will be the sweetheart for the shutterbugs as everything he does will be scrutinized. He will be supported by the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, the match winner against Belgium and Sergio Aguero, if he is called upon to play. For the Dutch, Captain Robin van Persie will again hold the helm in front of the goal with the rocketing midfielder Arjen Robben who will try to get the better of the South American line-up. Young guns like Stefan De Vrij and Memphis Depay will also be crucial along with the experienced Wesley Sneijder.

Teams head-to-head:

The two teams have faced each other 8 times with the European having won four and the South Americans just 1 with a goal share of 13 and 6 respectively.

Probable line-ups:

Netherlands (5-3-2): Cillesen; Kuyt, De Vrij, Vlaar, Indi, Depay; Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind; Robben, Van Persie.

Argentina (4-2-3-1): Romero; Zabaleta, F Fernández, Garay, Rojo; E Perez, Mascherano; Palacio, Messi, Lavezzi; Higuaín.

Prediction:

Argentina has looked less impressive when compared to the Dutch in the tournament. Now’s the time for them to capitalize on the home conditions advantage and not make the mistakes that Brazil succumbed to. This will be a very closely fought contest most likely to get 90 minutes. Netherlands will pick up a narrow victory.

Final Score Prediction: Argentina 1 – 2 Netherlands.