FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina and Netherlands

Brazil – Germany 1-7: Miroslav Klose breaks Ronaldo’s record in the most shameful evening in Brazil's history.

Defend: 0 – 2
Midfield: 0 – 2

Attack: 0,5 – 2

Interplay: 0 – 2

TOTAL: 0,5 – 8

18. Kroos (GER) – 1,5

8. Oezil (GER) – 1,5

13. Mueller (GER) – 1,5

1. Neuer (GER) – 1,5

16. Lahm (GER) - 1

6. Khedira (GER) - 1

9. Schuerrle (GER) - 1

7. Schweinsteiger (GER) – 0,5

Argentina

Belgium was not the easiest team to beat, but
the early goal of Higuain made Argentina turn to defensive mode. There was almost nothing happening on the pitch, as Belgians were trying to come up with any creative idea to equalize, and Argentineans were not letting them do this. Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina has been so unfancy that only a win in the World Cup can justify such boring performance.  

Now there is only one South American team that can lift the World Cup. And the team is least welcome in Brazil. However, the day when Argentina celebrates its Independence Day might by no means be spoiled by a defeat in the semi-final of the World Cup. Argentina has already shown that its defence can be reliable when it matters. A scoring might come at any time, when there is a player called Lionel Messi on the pitch. Alejandro Sabella’s tactics is surely going to become more and more defensive as the time passes by. It will be important to contain the dangerous counterattacks of Robben and friends and Argentina is going to be careful, especially in the second half. However, they are the more likely of the two teams to score earlier. The squad will include Marcos Rojo, who is back after serving his quarantine. Angel Di Maria is injured, which is the second worst news Argentina would expect to hear.    

 

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 8 - 3

Topscorer (s): Messi (4)  

Team marks: 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,5 + 4,0 + 4,5 = 25,0
Average mark: 5,0
Best players: Messi (5,0)

Final place among 32: 2

Chances to win the World Cup: 27,53%

Netherlands

Louis van Gaal is a genius. At least his substitutions are so. Of course, Netherlands was expected to smash Costa Rica. The Oranje had plenty of chances to score, and Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Navas was awesome, but this was not the case, when experts talk about a total domination. Netherlands was not in a hurry, so the match remained goalless after the first half. The second half was the time, where the Ducth simply had to make the crucial touch. It never happened. Neither in the extra time. And only after van Gaal introduced his reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul to save after-match penalties the team earned a place among the last 4.

The chance to appear in the second World Cup final in a row might not be missed. We expect a much more tactical battle rather than the shocking performance in the first semi-final between Brazil and Germany. And we expect Louis van Gaal to make his next extraordinary decision. However, the South Americans are the favourites in this match, mostly thanks to the great support they will get in Brazil. Netherlands is never in a hurry. They will not be looking for an early goal, but try to wait until Argentina gets tired or loses concentration for a second. They are not afraid of after-match penalty shoot outs either.  

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 12 - 4

Topscorer (s): van Persie, Robben (both - 3)  

Team marks: 7,0 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 6,0 + 5,0 = 23,0
Average mark: 5,6
Best players: Robben (7,0)

Place among 32: 1

Chances to win the World Cup: 22,53%