World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday 6, Day 2

As the football fraternity still attempts to digest Germany’s 7-1 drubbing of Brazil, Holland and Argentina prepare for action in the second semi-final. Both sides made their way into the last four with narrow wins – the South Americans squeezed past Belgium with a third 1-0 win in four matches, whilst the Dutch required spot-kicks to finally get the better of Costa Rica:

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Demichelis, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia; Perez, Messi, Lavezzi; Higuaín

Holland: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi; Kuyt Wijnaldum, De Jong, Blind; Sneijder; Van Persie Robben

Alejandro Sabella makes two alterations from his quarter-final line-up. At left-back, Marcos Rojo returns after serving a one-match suspension, whilst in midfield, Benfica’s Enzo Perez is afforded his first start of the tournament at the expense of the injured Angel di Maria. Up front, Sergio Aguero only makes the bench after missing the last two through injury.

Lionel Messi’s Fantasy owners will be hoping for a return to form after the forward delivered just a single assist over the last two matches. Gonzalo Higuain came to the rescue last weekend and, having opened his account for the campaign with a sweetly-taken winner against Belgium, will be in buoyant mood for tonight’s encounter. The rest of Sabella’s side need to step up, though – aside from Messi and Higuain, no Argentina player has had a hand in more than one goal thus far.

After failing to find a way past Keylor Navas last Saturday evening, Louis Van Gaal will be desperate for his side to return to the form that saw the Dutch net 12 times in their first four fixtures. The Holland boss makes just once change from the weekend, bringing in fit-again Nigel de Jong for Memphis Depay, with Wesley Sneijder moving forward into the role in “the hole” in a 3-4-1-2.

Robin van Persie has recovered from a stomach bug, then, and the United man, along with Arjen Robben, will be key to their side’s progress. After scoring three goals apiece in the opening couple of group games, the duo have hit a drought – the Bayern man has managed a pair of assists over the last three matches, whilst Van Persie has blanked in both his subsequent appearances.