Messi at a training session ahead of Argentina’s semifinal clash against the Netherlands. (Source; Reuters)

Written by: Saahil Mehta

Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben, arguably this World Cup’s best dribblers, come face to face in the second semi-final in Sao Paulo. Messi (29) and Robben (25) have together completed the most dribbles in this tournament.

The Dutch converted all four spot-kicks to book their place in the final four eliminating a stubborn Costa Rican team in a tense penalty-shootout. Arjen Robben’s skill and quick movement was a constant threat as he ran the Costa Rican defense ragged; clocking 12.67 kilometers over the course of 120 minutes. The star of the night though, was Goalkeeper Tim Krul – brought on in extra time – another example of Van Gaal’s tactical nous.

Gonazlo Higuain’s goal was the high point for Argentinians as they found their feet against a maturing Belgium side. Lionel Messi’s dazzling display was reminiscent of the great Diego Maradona terrorizing defenders en route to winning the 1986 title.

Health check

With Di Maria a likely absentee, the Argentinians will welcome the return of Manchester City striker Aguero to the starting XI for what is Argentina’s first semi final since 1990.

The Oranje will again be without powerful midfield controller, Nigel De Jong, who has yet to recover from a torn groin muscle.

Formations & Probable Lineups

Louis Van Gaal will deploy the successful 5-3-2 formation which has been impenetrable lately. Daley Blind and Dirk Kuyt are expected to occupy wing back roles supporting, wingers Arjen Robben and Memphis Depay, with overlapping runs. Robben is in the form of his life as he has stepped seamlessly from club duties in Munich to terrorizing defenders in Brazil. Argentina will need to stop Robben somehow and it is arguable to say they do not have the quality of defenders to handle his pace.

Coach Alex Sabella is likely to retain the services of Martin Demichelis in defence after a commanding display in the quarterfinals. Lucas Biglia will keep his place in place of Fernando Gago team. After successfully managing to subdue Eden Hazard, he will now have to stifle Sneijder. Marcos Rojo will return from suspension and is expected to be kept busy all night by Arjen Robben.

The two sides have a long history, facing each other four times in previous tournaments, with their most recent meeting coming in 1998 when the Dutch led by then manager Guus Hiddink, knocked out Argentina in the quarterfinals.

The hope in Argentina is that the extra miles travelled will have taken its toll on the Dutch team. The grand tour has taken them from Salvador to Porto Alegre, Sao Paolo, Fortaleza, back to Salvador and now Sao Paulo once more.

After scoring ten goals in the group stages, the Dutch has managed only two in the knockout stages, and the Oranje will be hopeful that striker Robin Van Persie regains his touch in front of goal. The Albicelestes will rely heavily on the creativity of star man Lionel Messi on account of his four man of the match performances so far in this tournament, which created a new record.

If the Dutch are able to dominate possession, they will go a long way towards silencing Messi, and without Di Maria in the mix, the Dutch should feel positive heading into the game.

In the wake of Germany’s humiliation of Brazil last night, I expect this game to be a tight affair settled by the brilliance of one of their star players.

Prediction: Netherlands 0, Argentina 1