FIFA World Cup 2014

Argentina 3 Holland 0

Holland 4 - 2 Argentina

Holland 2 - Argentina 0

Under Van Gaal the Dutch seem to be developing a team spirit that they don't usually have.  

I'm used to Dutch being a group of highly talented individuals most with huge egos and if things don't go their way the cracks soon appear.  They've still got the talent e.g. Robben, VP and Sneijder, each of whom would walk into the German team. Team spirit and organisation on top of that talent should be a scary combination for their opposition.  So having said last night I wouldn't make any more predictions, I'm going to back the Dutch to win this 3-0.

De Jong surprisingly recovered from injury and back in the Dutch eleven.  Anyone care to predict how long it takes for him to be carded? I say 30 mins.

Germany should have no problem with either of these two.

G

First half stalemate. Argentina seem to have a good, abeit negative, system for negating Robben's runs.  Crowd seems subdued, too.

Highlight for me was the 'silks' shown but the Dutch keeper in selling a dummy to the on-rushing Argentine forward. One for Sky's Soccer AM.

I hope someone scores soon ...not as good as last nights game, I think has someting to do with being on itv

A lot of people take this too seriously.

I blame Clive Tyldsley. TBH ITV are a bit jinxed especially so for England games to which I think you're alluding.

When I lived in the UK, I would go to the local for a beer most nights to check my email (had no internet at my flat). There would be football on the TV (of course). I don't think I saw a goal scored in the two years I went there. No wonder there are riots.

You would'nt happen to be down the pub now, would you 

Was there another match on then? Wasn't the one I watched (part of). Dire, tedious and unskilled.

I enjoyed the match so much I fell asleep and didn't wake until I heard the phrase Argentina have won on penalties.

Oh well looks like the Dutch can go back to making cheese .

Mista H

I thought it was a great battle, with both teams playing superb defense. Yes, they were often cautious on offense, but after the Brazil/Germany blowout, that was to be expected.

Agreed that Vlaar had a great game, and I did not understand van Gaal's choice to have him take the first PK.  Also, after Krul's performance versus CRC, I am not sure why he didn't save a substitute and try to repeat that effort.

I hope that di Maria is healthy for the final, as Argentina will need every resource at their disposal to win. If they play the exact same style of game as yesterday, they may have a chance. Still, it will be really hard to bet against Germany In the final.

ATB.

Hook

I heard this earlier today - but couldn't believe that it was true - and now it is on the BBC.

It may well have been mentioned during the game but I missed most of it - I saw the last 10 minutes of extra time and the penalties in a hamburger restaurant near Boston Mas with no sound from the TV.

Well the forecast for the (English) Premier League next season must now be

1 Manchester United 

2 - 20 Does anyone care?

The only time I've seen Germany struggle in this WC was against the pace of Algeria. I don't think Argentina can play that way and, barring some genius from Messi, I think Germany will win.

Germany 2: Argentina 0.

Bruce

Very good Mista H!  

Would be nice to see Brazil regain a bit of dignity as well as hope for the future today.  They are capable of doing so. I am thinking back to the Colombia match after Neymar's injury -- it was some of their best play of the tournament. Silva's return should help a lot.

Could be a very interesting game, as Netherlands should also be very angry at themselves for not manufacturing more chances versus Argentina. The shots on goal will definitely be there today, but can they make good on them?

Looking forward to these last two games, and am hoping for competitive, exciting play. Regardless of what happens, it has been a memorable World Cup. And for all the pre-tournament worries over protests, facilities not being ready, and so on, it now appears that the Brazilian organizers and people deserve full credit for being fine hosts.

ATB.

Hook

Yes. I agree with that, Hook. There were lots of doubters about Brazil's ability to stage the world cup and they've proved them wrong.  Well done Brazil

MDS 

Personally I hope Germany take Argentina apart much like they did against Brazil, 1,there a European team and 2, every time I've been to Germany I've always found then to be very helpful and friendly people ....so a 3-0 German win is my prediction

I shall be hoping for a German win, too. Good for European football. 

Haven't watched much of the third-place play-off but on the basis of the last half-hour or so the Dutch look very comfortable winners and 3-0 doesn't flatter them.  Pity they didn't show more adventure in the semi-final. Brazil will need to think very hard about how to rebuild their morale, tactics and discipline.