World Cup 2014 – Scout Notes – Matchday 5, Day 2

Gonzalo Higuain finally opens his World Cup 2014 account as Argentina squeeze past Belgium into the semi-finals. Tim Krul’s spot-kick exploits help Holland get the better of Costa Rica, after both sides failed to find the net over 120 minutes:

Higuain Sends Argentina into Last Four
The Napoli man picked a fine time to grab his first goal of the World Cup and fire the South Americans into the semi-finals at Belgium’s expense last night. Higuain’s opportunistic strike proved the difference in a poor game which produced a mere three shots on targets between the two sides, with Alejandro Sabella’s side leading the way by two to one. Lionel Messi owners were left frustrated after the Barcelona forward missed a late chance to seal the match, though with a goal or assists in four of his five appearances, he remains one of the most potent options available for our frontlines.

In terms of personnel, Alejandro Sabella made three changes from the side that beat Switzerland last time around. At the back, Jose Basanta came in for the suspended Marco Rojo, whilst Martin Demichelis was preferred to Federico Fernandez – the changes mean only Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay have benefitted from a run of three clean sheets in the last four fixtures. Fernando Gago dropped out for Lucas Biglio in central midfield as Sabella battened down the hatches – Argentina have yet to win a game by more than one goal but their resilience at the back has proven essential to their bid for glory.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, three of the Argentina back-four caught the eye for recovered balls – Martin Demichelis managed 10, whilst Ezequiel Garay and Jose Basanta were next in line with seven and six respectively. Vincent Kompany led the way for Belgium with nine, followed by Axel Witsel (eight), Kevin de Bruyne and Daniel Van Buyten (both four).

Krul On Hand for Holland
Louis Van Gaal’s decision to sub on Tim Krul ahead of the penalty kick shoot-out with Costa Rica proved an inspired one as the Newcastle man saved twice to help his side advance. The Dutch went into last night’s match as strong favourites after netting 12 times in their opening four fixtures and offered plenty going forward – they managed 20 attempts over the 120 minutes, producing eight shots on target to their opponents’ one, but were unable to find a way past the inspired Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican keeper helped his side deliver a third clean sheet of the tournament, with Jorge Luis Pinto’s budget-friendly backline conceding just two goals over their five matches.

The Dutch boss made just two changes for yesterday’s game, bringing in Bruno Martins Indi and Memphis Depay in a reshuffle that allowed Daley Blind to return to left wing-back and saw Wesley Sneijder drop deeper into central midfield, with Depay alongside Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben in an attack-minded 3-4-3 formation. Frustratingly for Fantasy managers, we now only have premium-priced options to choose from at the back but with three assists and two clean sheets in his five appearances, Blind remains the standout option amongst Van Gaal’s defenders, with yesterday’s move to the flank encouraging news for his Fantasy owners.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, Ron Vlaar and Stefan de Vrij led the way for recovered balls amongst the Dutch with nine apiece, while Bruno Martins Indi (seven) was next in line for the victors. For Costa Rica, Giancarlo Gonzalez was top with 10, followed by Cristian Gamboa (six) and Celsa Borges (five).