2014 FIFA World Cup™ Semi-Finals: Netherlands vs Argentina| Wednesday, Jul 9, 4:00 PMET

No

 

Messi + Higuain VS Robben + Van Persie hmmm wonder who will make the difference

 

I actually expect a snoozer.
Too much at stake, both teams weak spot are their defenses and they know it, and after yesterday´s game, the mindset will be conservative.

 

Could be but someone has to win it. I don't think this one will have a high score. Each team will have to attack in turns at some point. I don't think too much should be read into the other semi as it appears that Brazil made a huge tactical error that was exploited quickly and often before a change could be made. It didn't have to be that way and I do think teams will be a bit more careful about their spacing against Germany in the future. This one is going to be dramatic edge of the seat stuff IMHO.

 

Thanks for this post. Brazilians are hurting, and the circumstances of the loss yesterday really go beyond the rivalry we share with Argentina. It's a shame we won't get to see the dream (or nightmare) final between our two teams, but after last night there's no doubt that the best team won.

Unfortunately you are probably right. Hopefully the sportsmanship the Germans have shown us since the 30th minute of the game yesterday will teach us to become better fans. Had they handled that game differently, we could be talking today about multiple red cards, visiting fans being harassed, and other sad consequences of the game rather than simply a footballing showcase.

There will be plenty of time for jokes in the future, and without them football wouldn't be half as fun. But giving some time for closure is probably smart.

 

It would seem we´ll have rain today. Does that favour any of the sides? Out of random thoughts, it shoud be good for Arg, since it can slow the match´s pace but bad for Messi, for obvious reasons. Any other insight?

 

I think both teams will more or less follow the same initial plan, that is to survive the first 10-15 minutes (without goals/casualties). After that I expect Netherlands to defend a bit higher but still basically absorb Argentina's pressure.

Messi and Co will run into a very fit and compact playing swamp which neutralizes most tik-tak or speed.
Surely, a number of attempts will be able to penetrate the Dutch defense, I just hope Cilessen does his job very well.
In all games till now I found the 1st half of Netherlands really not good enough , it worries me.

On the other side it is pretty much the same, good amount of defenders and skill. I think (or hope) that Romero is
not such a great goalkeeper and think of him as a weak spot in the Argentinian defense.
Robben/v.Persie and later on Huntelaar and/or Deepay should be able to score out of the opportunities.

Sure it can be a snoozer but only until the last 20 minutes, after that I expect the teams to go all out anyway.

Well thats it, beer is cold and I can't wait till the start of the match. Preview time

Good luck and hopefully the Netherlands wins it (all).

 

Karma for what beating the powerhouse Iran in the group stage by a lucky goal???

 

A persian guy speaking about karma sounds weird anyway

 

that guy is unbelievable, just pretened he didnt say anything, cause hes been talking crazy for months

 

Hahah made me feel like I was going crazy

 

Argentina has to win. They are beatable in the finale

Let's pray together!

 

you really want to give us a chance of revenge for that PK do you?
ask and thou shalt receive.

 

I´m out. Way too nervous. Let the best team win.... or not!

 

I don't wanna watch

 

Good luck for both teams.

I hope to see a good game,may the best team win.

 

Let the best Netherlands win

 

hehe, I meant for neutral viewers...

 

Come on Holland!!!

 

Oh good. De Jong is playing GG.

 

Nope, tension is always good to watch