My World Cup review

Holland 0 : 0 Argentina 

Holland play Argentina in the last semi final and to play for a place in the World Cup final. Where the winner will play Germany. 

Both teams will have seen what Germany did to Brazil so they will know that they must play well to reach the final, but that they then have to face a destructive German squad. 

The game started in a cagey fashion as both team tried to cement authority on the game, yet not give anything away with what's at stake. Both were not over committing, just happy to sit back and see how everything unfolds. A dangerous free kick for Argentina was well saved by the recalled Dutch 'keeper Cillessen. Argentina were starting to become the dominant side by 25 minutes as they had registered a few shots and corners starting to add up. Holland struggling to get a foot hold as it stands. After 30 minutes the game remained goalless (whereas the Germans were already 5-0 up from the previous game) and Holland were finding it difficult to break down Argentinas defence. They were shutting out both Robben and Van Persie and doing it well. The rhythm of the game died down and the feeling was a little subdued. It wasn't as intense as the first semi final and both teams need to step it up. 

The orange men were more attack minded at the start of the second half as they pressed higher and started to gain more possession. They still were unable to launch any direct threat at the argentine goal but the warning signs are starting to light up. A great last challenge header from Janmaat stopped a certain goal as he  jumped in front of Higuain and cleared the danger. Hollands possession continues to increase as the half progressed but yet again there was no end product. Now Argentina were starting to struggle and even Messi was not having the impact we all thought he would as he blazed a free kick well and truly over. Around 80% of the stadium thought we got the first goal as a pass was skimmed into the box on the wet ground found Higuian sliding in and his shot hit the side netting. So close! This did give the game a lift, but not by much. No one threatened again up until the final 5 minutes. Holland this time had a glorious chance as Robben found his way through on goal but another last ditch tackle from Mascherano prevented the striker getting a clean shot on target. Full time was called, now we head into extra time. 

It was Holland that continued with the dominance as the extra time started. Fatigue has set in and the players are now struggling to inject any speed into the game. But there is something in the back of your mind which thought that both Messi and Robben could still produce a moment of magic out of nothing. 

Into the last 15 minutes of this game and it started with a thud as Zabaletta was (accidentally) knockout out momentarily from a 50/50 challenge from Kuyt as the Dutchmans shoulder made contact with Zabalettas head. The possession traded between both teams. This is surely heading to penalties. A chance?!? Wasted. Palacio couldn't convert which looked to be a glorious chance. A last ditch effect from Holland ends with nothing. 

The defence wins in this game as it finished 0-0. It's going to be decided by penalties.

Holland - XOXO

Argentina - OOOO

Argentina win the penalty shootout. 

Germany face Argentina in the final. And if it is to be judged on the semi final performances Germany will easily win. However, luckily for Argentina they have 4 days to recover and revise.