NETHERLANDS vs. ARGENTINA
Semifinals - Game 2
Semifinals - Game 2
Date: July 9, 2014
Time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 4-1-3 Netherlands
Last Match: 2006 World Cup (Group Stage). Netherlands tied Argentina 0-0.
Line: Argentina +130
Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.
Team Profiles
World Ranking: Netherlands (15th), Argentina (5th)
Managers: Louis van Gaal (NED), Alejandro Sabella (ARG)
Captains: Robin van Persie (NED), Lionel Messi (ARG)
World Cup Appearances: 10 (NED), 16 (ARG)
Best Finish: Netherlands (3x Runners-up, Last in 2010), Argentina (2x Champions, Last in 1986)
Qualifying Records: Netherlands (9-0-1, GF: 34, GA: 5), Argentina (9-2-5, GF: 35, GA: 15)
Previous Game Results
Netherlands
June 13th - Netherlands def. Spain 5-1
June 18th - Netherlands def. Australia 3-2
July 5th - Netherlands tied Costa Rica 0-0 (Won 4-3 on Penalty Kicks)
Argentina
June 15th - Argentina def. Bosnia 2-1
June 21st - Argentina def. Iran 1-0
July 5th - Argentina def. Belgium 1-0
Rosters
Injuries/Discipline
Netherlands: Nigel de Jong (Doubtful - Back), Leroy Fer (Questionable - Injury), Robin van Persie (Questionable - Illness), Ron Vlaar (Questionable - Injury)
Projected Lineups
There's a lingering element of mystery in what both squads might look like today. Both sides are dealing with multiple injury concerns to key players which likely has both managers tinkering with different options and fitness reports this morning.
Big questions for Netherlands are regarding van Persie, Vlaar and de Jong. de Jong is likely out as he deals with a lingering leg issue. van Persie is the biggest concern though. Louis van Gaal revealed yesterday van Persie was dealing with an intestinal problem. and was doubtful for today's game. I have to think RVP would play if he was at all capable but his match fitness my ultimately be what keeps him out if he is that ill. Ron Vlaar is also carrying a knock and is a question in this game. If van Persie can't go, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar should step in as a same style replacement. Things may get tricky if Vlaar can't play though. van Gaal may opt for Kongolo as a centre back replacement, or look to Fer or de Guzman in the midfield as a sub and drop Blind and Kuyt back to true full back positions.
Argentina may have Sergio Aguero back from a thigh injury. His starting place is in doubt though after a poor run of games earlier in the tournament and being capably replaced by Ezequiel Lavezzi. The big loss for Argentina is Angel di Maria in the midfield who will not play due to a thigh injury of his own. di Maria has been Argentina's best player in this tournament (Yes, that includes Messi) and will be difficult to replace in the Argentine midfield. The entire Argentine midfield is a bit of a guess at this point. Mascherano appears the only lock as 6 players have claims to a starting role in this game with di Maria out.
Overview
Here's your interesting stat of the day. In 8 previous meetings between these teams, Argentina have never managed to defeat the Netherlands in 90 minutes. For their only victory over the Dutch, you have to go back to the 1978 World Cup final when a pair of extra time goals handed Argentina their first ever World Cup title.
The last meeting between these two teams occurred 8 years ago in the 2006 World Cup. This game promises more offensive fireworks then that scoreless draw did though with the likes of Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben on the field today.
A bit of a stylistic contrast between the two teams today. The Dutch are playing an adapted version of the total football they are known for, and will use speed and long ball movement to attack defences vertically and create mismatches in the offensive third. Argentina are a bit more methodical in attack, working their way up field and constantly moving their back line up to shrink the field and overwhelm their opponents.
Netherlands have varied their formation slightly throughout the tournament but the 5-3-2 type formation has worked wonders this tournament. Daley Blind and Dirk Kuyt will likely take up the critical wing back positions that have been the driving key to Dutch success so far this tournament. Up front, the Dutch attacking trio is one of the most dangerous in the world, although they may be without Robin van Persie in this contest.
Argentina have switched personnel as necessary but should continue with their 4-3-3 attacking formation in this contest. Argentina allow their front 3 to roam in attack with support from their midfielders and full backs. The midfield is a question mark for Argentina as they are without top player Angel di Maria due to injury.
Personnel
In the Dutch Third: Whether it's Aguero or Lavezzi facing them, this is a big area of concern facing the Dutch. Messi/Higuain/Whoever form an attacking trio that's just as potently dangerous to the Dutch goal as their attackers are. My biggest concern for the Dutch is Messi's ability to operate in the middle of the field. This is a young back line and they can drop too deep relative to their central midfield, especially with de Jong out. They continually expose space in the centre of the field just above their penalty area and Messi will rain goals in from that area. Advantage: Argentina
In the Midfield: Would be advantage Argentina if di Maria were available. Both sides missing key players (de Jong) which take away from the luster of the midfield battle in this game. I like the Dutch ability to counter-attack and expose Argentina on the flanks defensively. I don't like their ability to defend the Argentine possession and keep them from controlling the middle of the field. I anticipate a relatively free-flowing game through the midfield as neither side adept at defending this area and both teams like getting forward quick and in numbers. Advantage: Even
In the Argentine Third: A lot hangs on whether or not van Persie can go at 100%. I think if he can't then Huntelaar has to play no matter what. Huntelaar not the same class as van Persie with his control and finishing though and this game will hinge on Robben and Sneijder for the Dutch. I think Robben and Sneijder amongst the rest of the Dutch players can expose some holes in the Argentine lines, particularly on Robben's flank. Advantage: Netherlands. By how much depends on RVP's health though.
Goalkeeping: Cillessen with a bit more overall quality to his game. Romero has stepped up this tournament though. I would give the Dutch a slight edge except I have to question Cillessen's mental state after being yanked for the shootout against Costa Rica. Been a goaltender in hockey personally my whole life and situations like that can mess with you. Advantage: Even
Netherlands will win if:
Goes without saying for everyone facing Argentina but need to bottle up Messi. Will need Depay/Wijnaldum in the midfield to play defensive soccer today and limit the space Messi has to move through the middle of the field. Dangerous everywhere but far less bite if he is forced to go wide around Martins Indi. Offensively, let Robben get the ball in attack and do what he's been doing all tournament. Has been as dangerous as Messi this tournament and should open up some attacking lanes on the ball.
Argentina will win if:
Aggression through the midfield and in the Dutch half. This is a young Dutch team outside of a few players and they have been reckless on the ball throughout the tournament. Force pressure in their own half and they should end up with some juicy chances and space to operate in. Defensively, special attention needs to be paid to Robben. Can't allow him to fly down the field with pace and either shoot on goal or find wide-open teammates.
Should be a closer game than yesterday (or at least we can all hope it is). There isn't much separating these two teams. Both have incredible attacking talent playing in top form facing some suspect defensive lines. Both have some key injuries they're trying to recover from. My gut is saying it's the Dutch, but looking through all of the above, my head doesn't see it. My guess is this game's decided late and Argentina's quality up front wins out.
Argentina 2-1 Netherlands
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