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Argentina will be without playmaker Angel Di Maria in Wednesday’s semifinal matchup against the Netherlands, and now the Dutch could be without captain Robin van Persie.
RVP had a strong opening to the tournament, but ever since his suspension on yellow cards he hasn’t done much. Perhaps it is the stomach virus he has been battling. The captain trained separate from the rest of the team today, and manager Louis van Gaal believes that RVP’s status is in danger for the bout against Argentina.
But as the Dutch possibly lose one great player, perhaps they’ll get one back. Nigel de Jong who was taken off in Round of 16 match versus Mexico with an injured groin could be in the lineup versus Argentina.
If the Dutch get Nigel de Jong back, along with Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder they'll be the toughest trio Argentina have faced this tournament. (Photo: @BarclaysLeague | Twitter)If the Dutch get Nigel de Jong back, along with Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder they'll be the toughest trio Argentina have faced this tournament. (Photo: @BarclaysLeague | Twitter)
Louis van Gaal said, "If his reaction is good and he can play, then the miracle can come true."
The Netherlands will start Jasper Cillessen in net against Argentina, as Van Gaal said, “Jasper is doing a wonderful job, it was just that stopping a penalty is something that the others [Krul and third choice Michel Vorm] are better at.”
The Netherlands are 21/10 moneyline underdogs against Argentina, while the Albiceleste are 2/3 favorites. This is the first time the Dutch are underdogs in the World Cup after scoring a tournament leading 12 goals.
Lionel Messi will need to be at his best in tomorrow's match versus Holland. (Photo:@UberFootFact | Twitter) Lionel Messi will need to be at his best in tomorrow's match versus Holland. (Photo:@UberFootFact | Twitter)
Hopefully the match is a little more competitive than the Germany blitzkrieg on Brazil. Both teams may be without big-time playmakers (Di Maria, van Persie), unlike the Brazil-Germany matchup which was lopsided after Brazil lost both Neymar and Thiago Silva.
Argentina and their defense haven’t played a team nearly as dangerous and experienced as the Netherlands. The workload for Lionel Messi is going to be to much to overcome. Their group this year (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Nigeria and Iran) was probably one of the worst in the tournament, just like it was in 2010 (South Korea, Greece, Nigeria). The point is, in recent years Argentina has never been challenged until big time matches against powerhouse teams. In 2010 Argentina beat Mexico in the Round of 16 and then met a powerful Germany team in the quarterfinals where they lost 4-0. Could the same fate be in store for Argentina this World Cup? Switzerland and Belgium aren’t terrible, but are not on the same level as Germany or the Netherlands. Argentina will need to play to their potential in this match. Messi will need help from Gonzalo Higuain, and their defensive effort will need to be organized and agressive. It will be a good match, and we love Messi magic as much as the next guy but here at The18, we think the Netherlands will prevail and play Germany, making it an all-European final in South America.
