World Cup 2014 – Scout Notes – Matchday 6, Day 2

Argentina progress to the World Cup Final after edging past Holland on spot-kicks. The South Americans face Germany on Sunday evening, whilst Louis Van Gaal’s men square up to hosts Brazil in the third/fourth place play-off on Saturday:

Romero the Spot-Kick Hero
After Germany and Brazil’s eight-goal feast on Tuesday evening, last night’s match failed to live up to Fantasy managers’ expectations. A cagey goalless draw after 120 minutes resulted in penalties but the Dutch were unable to replicate their weekend win over Costa Rica, as Argentina keeper Sergio Romero saved two spot-kicks to send his side into the final.

The result afforded the South Americans a fourth clean sheet in the last five fixtures, though only two defenders – Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay – have been ever-presents in Alejandro Sabella’s resilient side since the start of the tournament, with six appearances apiece. Argentina limited their opponents to a single shot on target over the entire 120 minutes and bearing in mind their struggles further up the pitch, many will be reliant on their backline to deliver the points against Joachim Low’s in-form attack.

In terms of personnel, Marcos Rojo returned to the starting line-up after serving a one-match suspension, whilst Enzo Perez replaced the injured Angel di Maria in midfield. Di Maria’s fitness could be key at the weekend, with Sabella’s side clearly struggling in the final third – Lionel Messi’s displays continue to frustrate Fantasy owners; he mustered just one shot across the entire 120 minutes and has now failed to find the net in each of his last three appearances.

Van Gaal’s Side Limp Out
Having swept their way through the group stages with a total of 10 goals, Fantasy investment in Holland’s key assets paid off handsomely in the opening few fixtures. As the tournament has progressed, though, Louis Van Gaal’s side have struggled to maintain that cutting edge and served up a second consecutive goalless draw last night.

Many Fantasy managers will still be holding a number of their options for the third/fourth place play-off on Saturday but bearing in mind both Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie have failed to score since Matchday 2, the Dutch boss must be tempted to freshen his attack up for the weekend clash against Brazil. The United man, in particular, turned in a shocking display and failed to register a single attempt before being replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on 96 minutes – the Schalke man has yet to start a match but could well be handed the opportunity as the Dutch look to finish on a high against their demoralised hosts.

At the back, Van Gaal’s side have now shipped just a single goal in the last four fixtures and with Neymar still sidelined on Saturday, their chances of another shut-out certainly look strong. Fantasy favourite Daley Blind started as a left wing-back last night but a tactical tweak at the break saw him shift into the back-three, with the Ajax man unable to add to his tally of three assists for the tournament.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, Ron Vlaar led the way for recovered balls amongst the Dutch with 12, whilst Stefan de Vrij (11), Daley Blind (seven), Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt (five apiece) were next in line. For Argentina, Martin Demichelis was top performer with 12, followed by Ezequiel Garay and Lucas Biglia (both nine), Marcos Rojo (six), Pablo Zabaleta and Javier Mascherano (five each).