Netherlands vs Argentina World Cup 2014 Semi Final Match Preview
Brasilia: After Germany`s stunning demolition of hosts Brazil on Tuesday, Lionel Messi`s Argentina will seek to join the Europeans in the final when they take on 2010 runners-up the Netherlands in Sao Paulo later on Wednesday.
Four-times World Player of the Year Messi has scored four goals en route to the last four and after Brazil`s exit Argentine will be greedily eyeing a possible clash with the Germans at the legendary Maracana stadium on Sunday.
The Dutch began their campaign with a 5-1 drubbing of holders Spain and will be looking to their talisman Arjen Robben, who has three goals at the finals, to help break down a well-drilled Argentine defence.
After their blistering start, Louis van Gaal`s side have cut it fine on the way to the semi-finals and needed a penalty shootout to get past Costa Rica in the last eight having only beaten Mexico by a controversial last-minute penalty in the previous round.
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Holland keeper Jasper Cillesen is expected to start despite being replaced, by Newcastle United’s Tim Krul, ahead of the penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.
But there is concern over the availability of Robin van Persie, who missed training on Tuesday with stomach problems.
Meanwhile, Ángel Di María is missing for Argentina with a thigh injury suffered in the quarter-final win over Belgium.
Sergio Agüero has a chance of being available following a leg muscle injury but the Manchester City forward may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Holland v Argentina
Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Kick-off: 21.00 BST
TV: ITV, PTV Sports, ESPN, BBC Sport, Sony Six,
Holland (Possible, 5-3-2): Cillesen; Kuyt, De Vrij, Vlaar, Indi, Depay; Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind; Robben, Van Persie.
Argentina (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Romero; Zabaleta, F Fernández, Garay, Rojo; E Perez, Mascherano; Palacio, Messi, Lavezzi; Higuaín.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).
Reuters
