Netherlands 0-0 Argentina
(after extra time – Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)
- Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo – Attendance 63,267
- Referee – Cuneyt Cakir
- Bookings – Martins Indi, Huntelaar, Demichelis
After what was the most exciting game of the World Cup in recent history after Brazil were soundly beaten by an absolutely flawless Germany side, the second semi-final between Argentina and the Netherlands was under immense pressure to live up to the expectation of the previous game.
Both teams went into the game knowing that they face a daunting task in Joachim Low’s Germany at the Maracana on Sunday. The Europeans go into the final as favourites to win the tournament after the manner in which they demolished host nation Brazil.
The match itself was played with the main focus being on each of the nation’s star players in Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben. The game was incredibly even after forty five minures of uninspiring play in the first half it was difficult to pick the winner. Arjen Robben’s lack of influence on the game was evident with the Bayern winger only being able to manage four touches and one pass in the opening half.
Heavy rain lashed down during the half time interval which prompted many supporters to find shelter in the uncovered stands of the Arena de Sao Paulo. Daryl Janmaat replaced the booked Bruno Martins Indi with the only substitution at the break. Another half followed of apprehensive play as it became evident that extra time would be needed to separate the sides. Jordy Clasie was introduced to the action on the hour mark replacing Nigel De Jong to provide a bit more of an attacking threat.
Argentina coach Sabella played his first hand late in the second half to try and avoid the additional half an hour of play. Attack minded players Palacio and Aguero were brought on in place of Perez and a very ineffective Higuain who squandered the only decent chance of the game as he only managed to hit side netting with his first shot on goal.
No innovation from either side prompted the extra time which left fans waiting for the inevitable penalty shootout. A rare spell of excitement saw Jasper Cillessen forced into two saves in quick succession as final Argentinian substitution Rodriguez, who had replaced PSG’s Ezequiel Lavezzi, saw his header saved and minutes later Palacio’s shot was hit straight at the Ajax shotstopper.
Striker Klaas Jan-Huntelaar was brought on in a surprising change as Tim Krul looked bewildered with the penalty shootout looming as Louis Van Gaal made a final substitution to prevent the penalty shootout. However after tthe extra half hour of football the penalty shootout was needed to decide Germany’s opponents in the final of 2014 World Cup on Sunday.
Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar stepped up first to see his shot saved by Sergio Romero. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the advantage. Arjen Robben and then Ezequiel Garay converted their respective penalties, Wesley Sneijder surprisingly saw his penalty saved which left the Netherland’s staring down the barrel of elimination. Dirk Kuyt kept the dream alive after Sergio Aguero cooly slotted home.
All eyes were on Maxi Rodriguez who slammed home the fourth penalty to send Argentina to Rio on Sunday with no need for the fifth penalty to be taken by the defeated Dutch.
