Although
this match might not match the excitement of the first Semifinal in
terms of goals, it is expected to be a proper finale between both the teams.
Argentina who qualified for the World Cup final in 1990 for the last time will
look to stop the Dutch Giants from reaching their 2nd successive World Cup final. Argentina has qualified for the World Cup finals 4 times
before and they have gone on to win 2 of them. The Dutch however, has qualified
thrice to claim the gold medal but each of those times they failed to clinch
the Medal of Honor.
Netherlands and Argentina have met 4
times in World Cup history. The Dutch have the upper hand with 2 wins while the
South American side managed to get only 1.
Argentina:
With
Di Maria out due to injury, burden will be on Messi once again to lift his
nation. Although Messi is the name used to terrorize the opponents, the
Argentinians have much more in their Arsenal in the shape of Aguero and
Higuain. Aguero who was a doubt due to thigh injury will be available for
selection and in the absence of Di Maria, he might well get the nod.
Argentina have lost just one of
their last 16 World Cup games.
Man to watch:
It
had to be Messi as the Barcelona forward has carried his team in the right
direction since putting on the captain’s armband. By scoring 4 goals and
creating 1 for his team mates, Messi has carried his nation out of the danger
zone many a times in this World Cup. In the absence of Angel DI Maria, Messi
may well have to play the role of the creator as well as the finisher and in
such an important match in his International career, the Barca man could come
up with his magic.
Netherlands:
According
to various media outlets, Robin Van Persie is a doubt for this match as he
continues his fight against the upset stomach. However the Dutch team could be
boosted by the fact that both Le Roy Fer and Ron Vlaar took part in training as
well as Nigel De Jong who was expected to be out of the world cup after
carrying an injury in the group stage win over Mexico.
Netherlands are the most successful
team in the history of World Cup not to win it. They have reached 3 finals
winning none.
Man to watch:
Arjen
Robben is certainly the man to avoid for the Argentinians if they want to avoid
defeat. The way the Bayern Munich player has terrorized defenses with his
scintillating runs on and off the ball has been majestic. Starting by a goal
that demolished the reigning World Champions Spain in the World Cup opening
match of both teams, Robben hasn’t looked back as he scored 3 and assisted 1
goal so far in the tournament.
Expected lineups:
Prediction:
Argentina
1-2 Netherlands
ned all the way!
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