Live Match Thread: World Cup Semifinal 2 - Netherlands v Argentina

Has everyone recovered from the shock of last night? In case you missed it (or were under a rock for a few hours), Brazil were clobbered by Germany 7-1.  The Deutsch put FIVE past the Selecao's defense in the first half hour, and the rest is history.  After the drubbing the host country received, many think that tonight's semifinal between the Netherlands and Argentina will not reach the surprise level of the first semi.

The Netherlands have never won a World Cup, and the 1978 loss to Argentina in the final is still something that haunts the footballing culture of the Dutch.  The Oranje started the tournament on absolute fire but have cooled down through the knockout stages, barely scraping by a scrappy Costa Rica team on penalties.  Arjen Robben is playing out of his mind and is reaching the potential many knew he was capable of.  They lack and miss the brute force of Nigel De Jong, who has been ruled out of the tournament because of injury (EDIT- De Jong is starting. Louis Van Gaal trolled everyone.)  Ex-Interista Wesley Sneijder is running their midfield, coming through with big plays when needed.  With their talented squad, will they make it to their second consecutive World Cup final?

To get there, they need to somehow get by Lionel Messi and Argentina.  The Albiceleste has been pegged as THE tournament favorites and why wouldn't they be?  They have Messi and his supporting cast of characters such as Gonzalo Higuain, Pocho Lavezzi, and Angel Di Maria.  The Argies have not hit full stride in this tournament and with the final weekend coming up quick, they are running out of time to show their goods.  Inter players Rodrigo Palacio, Hugo Campagnaro, and Ricky Alvarez have been on the fringe of Alejandro Sabella's squad and with what is at stake, it looks like they might remain there.

Who: Netherlands v Argentina

Where: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Brazil

When: 21.00 CET / 4.00 pm ET / 1.00 pm PT

Inter players featured: Rodrigo Palacio, Hugo Campagnaro, Ricky Alvarez (Argentina

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