OT - World Cup Semifinal #2 NED v. ARG, ESPN, 3:00pm CDT
Well, after yesterday's completely terrifying beatdown of Brazil by Germany, I have no clue what will happen today. I think Holland has a more complete team, but Messi is the best in the world (or top two). It's going to come down to how often Robben gets away with diving versus keeping the ball away from Messi.
NED 3 - 1 ARG*
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* Not to be taken seriously, unless it happens.
We will only invade Alberta, where the oil is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Argentine
Almost 60% of Argentines are of Italian descent
Kind of up the alley style for both teams this half - Argentina carry play and Dutch counter attack.
Nice tackle to contain the play I guess.... safety style.
love to see Argentina beat Brazil.
Although I would not be surprised if Argentina pulled it out against Holland. From what I am seeing, Argentina is playing much more agressively, attacking the Dutch goal really well.
Both teams have a stronf midfield though, something which was absolutely non-existent for Brazil yesterday....
Good luck that ball didn't go in or now it would be a huge problem there.
That was good. Bad call.
matches???
Yep. Which is strange since he is pretty clutch for club. In the WC he is basically a group stage player.
Considering how effective he is for club Aguero has been a disappointment this tourney. If not for Messi saving Argentina he would be looking like Fred right now.
ESPN reported that those who bet $11 on Germany yest for 7-1 won $11,000.
Both ot them.
A 105 year old grandma in Morocco who thought she was betting on camels, and a gerbil named Bill.
Messi needs support play. Barca provides it to him. Argentina does not. Has always been the problem with his national play. Argentina just isn't very good. Would be a different game if di Maria could go but no dice.
Well that was a linebacker hit....
5.8. 5.8. 5.9 from the east German...
teams. I don't see the depth of talent that I see on Germany.
If (when) this games to overtime, the Dutch win will. I want Argentina, but I cannot deny the striking talent NED has.
It's been a great game though! I hope I am wrong!
Definitely weathered a storm though. Thought the Dutch might get one there.
I'M WRONG! I'M WRONG! YES!!!!
I just have a feeling. They seem to be a team of destiny.
Messi and Neymar both have been great with little support from teammates. Robben has been great. Mueller has been great but has a lot of support. James Rodriguez is probably the other of the top 5 in the tourney. Who has been better than those 5? Kroos and Schuerrle have been very good more quietly than Mueller. Ronaldo was quiet.
Most who compare anyone to Pele have never seen Pele play - I've seen only highlights. Maybe he is better maybe he is not - I have no idea, different world then. Messi is playing a lot better competition day in and day out. Scouting nowadays unearths a ton of players that never played professionally in Pele's age - or even Maradona's.
p.s. in 86 Maradona didnt score much in the group stage- he dominated knockouts. (he did have a ton of assists and was great throughout - just sayin)
Time for the backup keeper?
Ah, too bad. I enjoyed his trash talking in the last game.
boys and girls?
Never understood not putting your best players first to shoot - puts pressure on other team. When you save him for #4 #5 he might not shoot. I like Argentina way.
That was a terrible PK by Vlaar.
wow. great save.
what a wipeout in the shootout
Well 120 minutes of doing nothing for Aguero - made up by 1 kick.
He was a sub, so it was more like 40 minutes of doing nothing.
Damn Romero is coming up big so far.
Based on this showing, if Argentina can withstand getting choke held all the way to PK's they stand a chance of beating Germany.
they'll have a shot.