Following Germany’s rampage over Brazil in the first semifinal yesterday, one would be forgiven for hoping that Argentina and the Netherlands, for all the talent they both possess in their lineups, would produce the same level of fireworks. Perhaps 8 goals was too much to be expected for, but fans and neutrals would have hoped for a thrilling match befitting the occasion.
Alas, it was not meant to be. The early moments of the match provided some moments of probing action at both ends, with neither team really able to create a clear-cut chance. After this opening spell of about 10 or so minutes, the Dutch intentions were clear: drop back into a defensive posture with 7-8 behind the ball, keep the shackles on Messi to try and force his teammates to be the one to beat them, and attempt to free Robben, van Persie, or Sneijder with opportunities to run at the Argentinian defense with long clearances. This is how the rest of the first half played out, and the pace of the match more closely resembled a training-ground scrimmage, with the closest either team got to goal this freekick attempt by Messi in the 16th minute:
Even though there was the hope that Louis van Gaal had this tactical plan to conserve energy so that the Netherlands might be able to come out with more attacking intent in the 2nd half, it was not to be, as normal service resumed after the break. To be fair, Argentina was not able to do much with the amount of possession they were gifted in the Dutch half, and they were unable to create any openings.
It was not until the 75th minute that the best scoring chance came, but Gonzalo Higuain fired just wide:
Almost thankfully, this ensured that there would be no controversy about the call, as Higuain had been (incorrectly) flagged for offside.
As a sidebar, Dutch goalie Jasper Cillessen provided a moment of levity (and truth be told, one of few Dutch highlights) with this moment of ball-handling skill, a move that gives most coaches a heart attack whenever they see their keepers attempt as much:
With time running down, the Dutch made one final push for a winner, and as to be expected, it was Arjen Robben who came the closest as he made a brief spurt through the Argentinian defense and found himself with only Romero to beat……….that is, until Javier Mascherano, who has quietly been putting together a string of great performances for his country in an unglamorous role, stuck his right foot out and somehow managed to block the attempt:
Once the game got to extra-time, it seemed almost inevitable that tired legs and their opponents’ defensive tactical plan would ensure that it would be Argentina who had the best opportunities to score. In the 115th and 117th minutes, Rodrigo Palacio and then Maxi Rodriguez had those very opportunities, but their finishes were poor, and so it was on to the lottery of penalty kicks:
Ron Vlaar had the first attempt for the Netherlands. For the entire 120 minutes, Vlaar was a rock at the back, and was part of a superb team effort by the Dutch to contain Messi. As he stepped up, Dutch fans had to be confident in one of their best players on the night:
Sergio Romero guessed correctly, and he was able to comfortably save what in truth was a fairly poorly-taken penalty by Vlaar.
Messi and Ezequiel Garay converted their attempts for Argentina, while Robben converted the Netherlands’ second attempt. Wesley Sneijder stepped up for Oranje’s third attempt:
A well-struck attempt was met by an even better save, and Argentina was clearly in the drivers’ seat in the shootout after Aguero converted to make it 3-1. Dirk Kuyt cut the deficit to 3-2, and Rodriguez came up for his turn, knowing that with a successful penalty, Argentina would be heading to their first World Cup final in 24 years:
With that, the only World Cup final matchup that has had multiple occurrences was now set for its third edition, as Argentina advance to face Germany on Sunday. La Albiceleste may have concerns about fatigue, especially with one day’s less rest and given how Germany strolled through their semifinal, but they will really only have themselves to blame for not emerging victorious after 90 minutes.
Giving credit where it’s due, Vlaar, Kuyt, and Giorgio Wijnaldum did a fantastic job in concert to prevent one Lionel Messi from exerting the type of influence he has been able to in all of Argentina’s matches up to this point. In spite of their best efforts, however, Messi’s march now continues on to the final, where he will attempt to seal his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
(GIF credits: @FlyByKnite)
(Photo credit: (AP/Frank Augstein)