Netherlands will be competing against Argentina on Thursday for the semi-final match and whoever wins will be playing off with Germany for the finals. On recent news, Netherlands striker Robin van Persie might miss the match due to stomach complaint. "Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn't want to take a risk," team manager Van Gaal said. "He is a very important player for us.
Midfielder Nigel de Jong has slim chances of returning to the game after tearing a groin muscle in their match against Mexico; and striker Sergio Aguero will also be available after a thigh injury and left-back Marcos Rojo after a ban. However, Van Gaal said that the tactics will be as efficient as it was before if the chief players are in full force in the field. The team could not afford to lose a player especially now that they are in a very crucial stage of the tournament wherein everybody plays a vital role.
Argentina, starting off the tournament with such power, has become the monster of this year's World Cup. There is a growing feeling that they could be the champion this time. It has been so long since the South American team played in the semi-finals, which, by coincidence or not, falls on the 9th of July which happens to be the Independence Day in Argentina. This is the first semi-finals they have qualified in since their loss against Germany in the final in 1990.
It would be another match to look forward to-whoever wins it will most definitely leave another mark on the history of World Cup.
Watch Netherlands vs. Argentina via free online live stream here:
