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. 

My World Cup Review

Holland 0 : 0 Costa Rica

The last of the World Cup quarter finals. Holland against Costa Rica and the winner faces Argentina. 

Again Costa Rica are considered underdogs against a very strong Dutch squad with Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben in their line up. The opening quarter of the game was dominated by Holland, they had numerous chances and Navas made some good saves to deny the Flying Dutchmen. Costa Rica didn't sit back as they also looked dangerous on the counter attack. Robben also has a point to prove after his comments about his sportsmanship in the previous game and it looked as though he was making a conscious effort to be more 'honest'. How long it would last, we will never know. He went down off the ball and won a free kick. The Costa Ricans said he dived but he had been brought down. The free kick was well saved again by Navas. More orange pressure towards the end of the half but both teams leave the field all square. 

Holland continued in the way they finished the first half. They controlled the play but unable to get that all important goal. Costa Rica also looking dangerous on counter attacks. Everything that the Dutch did, the Costa Ricans were able to stop. They were defending like true warriors and the longer the game progressed, the Dutch looked more nervous. The closest any team got to a goal was in the 81st minute when a wonder free kick crashed against the post from Sneijder. He managed to whipped the ball in, over the wall from a difficult angle. Unlucky. Tempo finally increased to another notch as Holland wanted to finish this game in the 90 minutes. Another free kick on Robben resulted in a shot from RVP but that 'keeps Navas again was in the way. He has been incredible. A glorious chance fell to Van Persie but he missed the ball. In the last minute of added time Holland could have won it when the ball was skimmed in and the players in the middle missed, fell to RVP and his shot was defended on the line, deflected up onto the bar and cleared! Frantic. Full time and this Match somehow finishes goalless. 

Another 30 minutes to be played. A tidal wave of orange was what the Costa Rica has faced all throughout this match and the onslaught continued against their goal. How Holland are not winning is anyone's guess? Costa Rica though did have a claim for a penalty as Vlaar clumsily stumbled into Urena but nothing from the ref. 

The second half of extra time turned into an epic 15 minutes as costar looked like the team that may nick the win. Urena somehow wiggled his way into the Dutch box and a great save from Cillessen kept the game tied. Holland then went straight on the attack (again) and Sneijder struck the ball from 30 yards which smashed against the bar. Then a bizarre decision from Van Gaal as he subbed the Dutch 'keeper Cillessen with Krul in the last minute ready for penalties. I have never seen that before. 

Penalties

Netherlands - OOOO

Costa Rica  - OXOOX

Have we witnessed a great tactical mind in work? Or an ego getting a bit of luck? What every the outcome Holland progress to face Argentina. A tasty encounter. 

My World Cup Review

Holland 2 : 1 Mexico

An exciting game predicted between two teams who have been performing well at this years tournament. 

Both teams have been very positive in their approach to each game and in the opening 30 minutes they seemed to cancel each other out after each attack, neither really had that clear cut chance. We also had the first 'cooling break' where both teams were able to rehydrate mid way through the half as the players were in the very uncomfortable playing conditions as temperatures were exceeding 30 degrees and 70% humidity. Though vital for a players health some may feel it could disrupt a teams momentum. In the heat both teams continued to try and take advantage but no one found that opening. The half finished 0-0 and both teams felt as though they should have had a penalty each. 

The second half started and temperatures were confirmed at 38 degrees! No wonder the players were looking lethargic. I would not cope at all. Mexico knew that Holland would struggle in the heat the more the game progressed, so they hit Holland at the beginning of the half with another wonderful long distance goal from Dos Santos.  Holland though still looked dangerous on the counter attack and from a corner the Mexican 'keeper Ochoa produced another great saves to add to the collection he has made during this World Cup. And his work hadn't stopped there as again he was called upon and another  save to deny Robben. Corner after corner Holland started to dominate and Sneijder thundered in the equaliser. With the water break in the second half 6 minutes extra time was added and in the 93rd minute a penalty was award and cooly dispatched by Huntelaar. A cruel end to the game for Mexico as their road in this completion comes to an end. 

Holland progress and their hopes of a World Cup win still look likely. For Mexico, heartache in the way they lost the game.