WORLD CUP 2014: HOLLAND WITHOUT WEAPONS TO PENETRATE ARGENTINIAN DEFENSE

Now that disjointed Brazil (which had no right to make it out of the group, without help of the referees), is out of the way, we can enjoy proper football. And indeed, the Argentina v. Netherlands semifinal, even though without fireworks, was a proper match of football. Cagey, but full of tension. One could see that these were teams with pedigree, and that any error could be costly. Luis Van Gaal, played again with seven defensive players (De Vrij, Vlaar and Martins Indi as last three defenders and Kuyt, Wijnaldum, de Jong and Blind in front of them), and with two forwards in Robben and Van Persie, linked by Sneijder. The Dutch succeeded in stifling Argentina's midfield, particularly Messi, who was not given any space to roam freely, although he tried for an hour at least, and in flashes, as if trying to conserve his energy. Yet the Dutch were incapable of exerting any damage to Argentina, as Robben had no support whatsoever from Van Persie, who appeared to be out, of sort. Robben did what he could, but Argentina's defense, consisting of Zabaleta, DeMichelis, Garay and Rojo, with two holding players in midfield (Mascherano and Biglia) was up to the task and the Dutch ultimately failed to penetrate it. Argentina played well organized defense, with the best of the defensive players being Mascherano, yet they were unable to break the defensive set up of Van Gaal. After the half-time break, when Martins Indi had to be taken of the pitch, mostly due to his yellow card, Janmat was let on the pitch. However, he took the spot on the right whereas Kuyt moved to left, and Blind was moved to the back three line to take Martins Indi place. in 62nd minutes, Van Gaal was forced to withdraw not fit De Jong and Jordy Clasie took his place. The Dutch dominated the second half, with enterprising Kuyt and Janmaat, but Robben had to attempt to break the Argentinians on his own, seeing that Van Persie was not up to the task, yet the Argentinians were quick in blocking Dutch passes or shots. I believe in the whole match the Dutch had three shots on target whereas Argentina five. Eventually, Huntelaar substituted in 96th minute ineffective and perhaps not fully fit Van Persie. That substitution was important as it was the third and last one allowed for the Dutch and they could not use Tim Krul later on during the penalties. In the overtime, Argentina evened the match out in terms of possession and Palacios found himself one on one with Cillessen yet the Dutch goalkeeper easily stopped the Argentinian's header. Unfortunately for the Dutch, Cillessen is not Tim Krul. This time around it was the Argentinian goalkeeper, Sergio Romero (Luis Van Gaal himself taught him how to defend penalties during their time together at AZ Akmaar), who became the hero, stopping Vlaar and Sneijder from scoring, whereas the Argentinians, starting with Messi, were perfect from the spot. Luis Van Gaal lost his touch, and Argentina made it for the 5th time to the final, in which the German Manschaft awaits them for the third time. They are even, having won one a piece. Even though Messi this time did not do anything brilliant except for that run through Dutch players near the area of right corner, when he passed to not covered by anybody Rodriguez, whose shot was stopped by Cillessen, he still was the obvious leader of this Argentinian team; offensively, he didn't get much support, but in defense this Argentina was yesterday solid, with Mascherano, the holding player, playing almost a perfect game. I have a feeling, the final will not be such a cagey affair, although the Germans would have much more respect for this Argentina than they had for the Brazil. My sentimental favorite Argentina (for the reasons elaborated on in my previous articles), made it to the final after all! Notwithstanding all those bad things said by the English pundits, media and fans about supposedly weak Argentinian defense and Leo Messi being inferior to Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm having my modest laugh at their expense, again...

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or by e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com