Semi Final: Holland vs Argentina

[Best-Pundit]

Holland vs Argentina

[nefremo]

It's Dutch time. It's time for this great football nation to join the group of nations that have won the WC. They will no longer be "The best team to never win the World Cup!"

[Aficio]

Me too, nefremo. I picked Netherlands for winning the WC. The whole football nation deserve that.

[Mystik]

I think that the Dutch will park the bus to stifle Messi then counter. I tip them to win tomorrow by counterattacking but I want Messi to go to the final.

[ZvonimirBoban]

I'm for all-European final to make history.

[Aficio]

Aguero is back, but Van Persie still unsure

[ACMILAN1983]

I'm for all-European final to make history.

Actually, it would be a repeat of the '74 World Cup final. The historic aspect would be the first time a European side won in America (North or South).

[Nalx]

I think that the Dutch will park the bus to stifle Messi then counter. I tip them to win tomorrow by counterattacking but I want Messi to go to the final.

Van Gaal will probably start with his preferred 5-3-2 that looks defensive on paper, and is true to some extent, but in my opinion it's anything but parking the bus. I think Netherlands will approach this game the same way when they met Spain in that they were happy to concede the possession and hit on the counter, or even more appropriately like when they faced Chile, who just like Argentina, had good attack and tough but not really creative midfield. And after what happened last night's game, it'll be understandable if both teams play cautiously first, sticking to the gameplan not letting their whim take over if they score or concede first.

[Mystik]

^^ Parking the bus is probably the wrong term but yes I agree that I expect this game to be setup very similarly to the Spain game. The Dutch will park 10 players in their half and look to spring long balls over the top to Robben on the counter hoping he is isolated 1v1 against the fullback. I have nothing against this tactic..but personally I prefer more proactive styles of play than reactive. Ultimately though, getting to the final is the only goal..by any (fair) means necessary.

[MIRZA]

Holland was great in group stage, but after that their fantastic play just disappeared.
Argentina haven't shown anything special in group stage.

I'm for Argentina here.
11.07.1995-11.07.2014