Argentina are through to the World Cup Final after they battled it out against the Netherlands, to see off the European side in the penalty shootout. After 90 minutes and extra time couldn’t separate the two sides, it was destined to be decided by penalties. Heroics by Romero this time would be enough for them to progress to the final as the last hope for South America on their “home soil”.
The Argentine players are ecstatic as they progress to the World Cup Final after a very long absence
The match kicked off to a cautious start as both teams were feeling each other out and trying find a weakness. The chances were few for either side as both defences held strong early on. Argentina were without Di Maria and Aguero, both left on the bench due to injuries. While Netherlands did have Van Persie start, even after all the talk about his fitness. Robben was looking the most dangerous as he was lurking on the edge of the defence and was just waiting for that one pass that would see him utilise his burst of speed. Though Argentina kept their line well and ensured that they caught the Bayern Munich star in an offside position. Argentina then started to take a slight advantage as they started to enjoy more possession then the Dutch. The first chance came in the 15th minute as Messi would try to curl the free kick in past the wall after a free kick was awarded just outside the centre of the box. His shot would curl past the wall but Cillessen had it well covered and ensured it ended up in his hands.
Messi’s free kick the only real chance for either side in the first half
Argentina looked dangerous when attacking down the right side as Zabaleta was getting into space and if it wasn’t for some strong defending by the Dutch players, Higuain might have had some good chances at goal. Argentina pressed on and after earning themselves a few corners Messi finally managed to pick out a team mate, though Garay’s header would go well over the crossbar. The Netherlands did also enjoy a brief spell of possession inside Argentina’s half, but once again apart from a few crosses by Sneijder there wasn’t any clear chances. Though a not so good sign for the Dutch was Sneijder needing treatment to what appeared to be a sore right calf in the closing stages of the half. Also Messi was seen holding his back as he too looked like he was struggling with a slight knock too. As the halftime whistle sounded, it was clear this was going to be a tightly battled affair and both managers needed to adjust their tactics and find a way through the defences.
An intensely battled first half saw not many chances on target as both teams defended their final third well
The second half saw the tempo increase and the game start to get more physical too. The tackles started to come in stronger as neither team wanted to give up space or an opportunity at goal. The Dutch came out with a more attack minded feel about them and their pressure inside Argentina’s half earned them a free kick early on. Robben was pulled down about 25 yards out by Demichelis, who earned himself a yellow card too. Sneijder’s shot was disappointing as it curled well but didn’t trouble the keeper as he watched it sail over the bar. Argentina too looked good moving forward as they broke well but just as Messi was trying to make space for the shot Vlaar’s sliding tackle was perfectly timed and knocked the ball clear. Another good chance followed for Argentina as Lavezzi put in a nice cross towards the 6 yard box. Higuain though was being closely marked by the second half substitute Janmaat, who didn’t allow the striker to get a good head to the ball.
Both teams evenly locked as we reached the 60 minute mark of the match
Van Gaal also decided to change it up again as he took off De Jong for Clasie, as the midfielder was fortunate to even play after speculation that his knee was going to see him miss the end of the World Cup. The Dutch pressed on and started to slightly impose themselves onto the game but needed to be careful as they were now keeping a high defensive line and didn’t want to get caught on the break. The Netherlands though pushed on as their ball movement was much more precise as they tried to break down the Argentine defence. The chances were still limited as the game pressed on and you wouldn’t be blamed if you weren’t thinking about penalties in the back of your mind. Argentina then started to press back and would start to apply some pressure back on the Dutch. The space though just wasn’t there and even when a free kick was awarded on the right side near the throw in line, Messi would send it long past the far post and out of play. There was a quick moment soon after as Higuain broke well into the box but the ball thundered into the side netting. The Argentine fans thought it was the breakthrough goal as cheers broke out but quickly subsided when they saw the ball on the outside of the goal. A final move by Sabella saw him bring on Aguero and Palacio for Higuain and Perez and try to steal the game with 10 minutes remaining. The change was to no avail as the match entered extra time and now 30 minutes left for either side to try and make it into the World Cup final and meet Germany.
90 minutes couldn’t decide the winner as Extra time was needed on a rain soaked night in Sao Paulo
Extra time saw the teams both tighten up defensively as neither wanted to give up a chance to go to the Finals. Close marking by both sides once again limited any clear chances. Argentina did press the Dutch high up the pitch but Dutch kept their cool and maintained their good passing to ensure they weren’t caught out. Robben once again tried his magic up front but the Argentines were just too organised and denied any chances on target. Palacio had the best chance of the extra time as he got behind the defence but his header was straight into the hands of the keeper. In the end without either side committing numbers forward this match was destined for the penalty shootout.
The Dutch were first to step up as Vlaar walked up and saw his strike down the centre of the goal blocked by Romero. Messi next stepped up for Argentina and sent the keeper the wrong way to give Argentina the slight edge early on. Robben was next as he took a slow run up and sent Romero the wrong way. 1-1 as Garay walked up to the spot and banged it into the roof of the net. 2-1 and a step closer for Argentina as Sneijder stepped up only to see his shot to the left side well saved by the diving Romero. Aguero was up next and he squeezed the ball under the keeper to give Argentina a 3-1 lead. Kuyt was next for the Dutch and he made no mistake as he kept the Dutch in it. Maxi Rodriguez then walked up and all was riding on his strike to send Argentina into the final. He struck it well and Cillessen managed to get a touch but it was not enough as the ball struck the back of the net. 4-2 on penalties and Argentina through to the World Cup final.
Argentina through to face off with Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final
Just two more matches left to go readers. Brazil will meet the Dutch for the 3rd place playoff, while Germany and Argentina are set to meet in the final. What an ending we have been set for! Europe vs South America a great match ahead after a thrilling four weeks of some great football action!
See you at the final readers!
Categories: World Cup
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