Netherlands Vs Argentina – Arena De Sao Paulo @ 11.00pm
Fireworks is expected at the Arena De Sao Paulo when giants Netherlands and Argentina in the last semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup on Wednesday evening.
The Oranje who reached the stage by overcoming Costa Rica on penalties in the last eight maybe without skipper Robin Van Persie who has a stomach problem plus defender Daryl Janmaat (injury).
Nigel De Jong who had earlier been ruled of the tourney with a groin injury may make a miraculous return for the game against The South Americans.
Other injury doubts Ron Vlaar and Leroy Fer seem to have recovered well after taking part in a full training session on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Argentina will be without attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria (injury) whilst Sergio Aguero returns from injury. Left fullback Marco Rojo returns from suspension thus Jose Maria Basanta will be relegated to the bench.
The Netherlands seeking to reach their fourth final in history will look to Arjen Robben for inspiration while Lionel Messi (four goals in five games) so far will without doubt be the main man for Argentina.
The two sides will be meeting for the ninth time in history with Netherlands enjoying the best head to head record in the previous nine with four wins, four draws and just a single loss.
Argentina’s only win over the Dutch came in the 1978 World Cup finals with a 3-1 extra-time victory (it had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes) in the Estadio Monumental in the final of the 1978 World Cup.
Besides, The Oranje have won two of the four World Cup meetings against Argentina; The Netherlands won 4-0 in 1974 and 2-1 in Marseille in 1998, decided by that brilliant Dennis Bergkamp.
The winner meets Germany in the finals slated for Sunday July 13 at Estadio.
Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the first semi-finals on Tuesday.
