World Cup Semi-Final #2… ARGENTINA vs HOLLAND
Another SA v Euro match up… will the Dutch set up a repeat of the '74 Final or will the Argies set up a repeat of the '86 and '90 Finals.
Even though I picked Argentina to win the whole thing, I am all ORANGE today… if the Dutch do win, it will guarantee a European winner in SA for the first ever time
Join me
UWS
posted by United We Stand @ 11:33 AM
238 Comments:
Morning, boys. I've still not recovered from that shocking match yesterday. I'll be taking Gooner up to the airport at match time so I won't be around live but I'll be watching later on.
You'll be missed
I may not be at the computer for the whole match either
Bob and Steve rubbing it in that they are eating sausage rolls and cornish pasties!
RvP and De Jong both start for the Dutch!
I thought De Jong was out of the WC!
Netherlands v Argentina (21:00 BST)
Argentina make two changes. The injured Angel Di Maria is replaced by Enzo Perez, while left-back Marcos Rojo is back from suspension.
Argentina: Romero, Garay, Zabaleta, Biglia, Perez, Higuaín, Messi, Mascherano, Demichelis, Rojo, Lavezzi
A major boost for the Dutch as not only is captain Robin van Perise fit to start, but midfielder Nigel de Jong has recovered from a thigh strain, only eight days after he was ruled out for four weeks.
Netherlands: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, De Jong, Van Persie (c), Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, Wijnaldum
The Dutch have white shorts and orange shorts
So, hopefully they have their orange shirts
The Argies will hopefully have their stripes and blue shorts
Argies are wearing dark shorts
I am happy
I'm back just in time to watch the start of the match. I should be here for the first half at least.
Good to have you Bob
I'm very happy that each team has their full kit on
Holland trying to get to their second straight final just like in the 70s
Teams in the tunnel… and here they come
I'll be sending you a late birthday shipment from the English Pork Pie Co., mate. Check out their website here and tell me what you want.
http://www.englishporkpiecompany.com/
You don't have to do that!
Was everything delicious?
I'm happy to see these sides in their traditional colors, too. And I'm happy to have another match between two historically big teams - a proper semi. This one's the rematch of the 1978 Final. If the Dutch get through, then it's a rematch of 1974. If the Argies get through, it's a rematch of 1986.
and 90
I posted those dates in the intro
I know I don't have to, but I'm gonna. You have to try this stuff. It's the proper stuff. They've just opened a proper chippy as well, with battered cod and chips, battered sausage. Plus the full range of pies, pasties, sausage rolls. It's awesome!
I'm drooling
You would be - I was asked if I wanted salt and vinegar on the chips. What do you think I answered?
Im surprised that Aguero isn't starting
You better have said yes
I want it drowned
Moment of silence for Alfredo Di Stefano - something that was ignored yesterday. RIP.
And we're off
all european or SA v E Final?
And we're away in what I hope will be an equally enthralling semi. Early goal, please!
John Champion just said Coventry correctly
I sad "just salt, please." Of course.
I brought home a big bag of bangers, pies, and sausage rolls.
Lovely jubbly
Do you remember the Argie boss playing at Elland Road?
Not really. He was around for one of our relegation seasons when I was already back here in the States. Also played for the Blades.
I have bloody Emergency Alert Message going right now.. they over do this!!
There's a thunderstorm… big deal!!!
I think he was in Sheffield for a couple seasons starting in 78 so I think you were there for him
Finally the alert crap is over
Yeah - we had those last night. Rained out the concert we were supposed to go to.
He was at ER from 1980-1981
He played for Leeds without much success between 1980 and 1981. He made 23 appearances and scored two goals.
We've had storms almost every night
Don't remember him at all.
I remember him at BL
This one looks like it'll be a whole lot tighter than yesterday. Free kick to the Argies.
Ok, we are at the 11th minute… Germany scored… let's go boys
Are you pulling for the Dutch today?
Perez is tripped.. it was a foul but just get up.. you don't need to roll around
Messi range
Even thought I picked Argentina.. I am all orange… you really didn't read this post, did you
Up comes Messi… saved
I meant to type
Even THOUGH
didn't READ
Corner to the Argies
An atrocious corner by Messi!!!
Sorry, mate. I didn't really have a lot of time this morning to read anything. I see it now.
Leviezzi wins another corner
Comes to nothing
Come on boys… let's get some excitement
Come on Holland… start shooting
I'm definitely for the Dutch, too. I picked a Brazil v. Netherlands final. You picked Brazil v. Argentina for the final with Angel Di Maria scoring the winning goal and Messi as GB and MVP. He's got four goals, so he'll need to get on his bike to match Rodriguez on six and Mueller on five.
Levezzi makes a good run… no one on the end of it
Another corner.. they have been the more dangerous
Decent delivery.. headed over
I don't care that I picked Arg.. I want Holl
RVP nearly on the end of that long ball.
You might be in some danger from your brother who picked a Germany v. Argie final.
Maschereno was hit on the head.. he almost collapsed… will he be able to continue?
Nasty clash of heads
He looked completely out of it but is back
Masch down with a possible head injury. He's back up again looking a bit shaken now.
Not a lot of action for the punters in this first half hour. The Germans were 0-4 up at this point. Come on!
The Dutch have done nothing… why don't they go for it!!
Germany were already FIVE up by now!!
Holland with a corner
Keeper punches away
And another punch from a decent cross
Off side
Too much caution by both sides.
RVP doesn't look good
He won't last the 90. The Hunter will almost certainly come on. That's a better option than Fer or that Memphis bloke.
If Holland do win and we have a repeat of the 74 Final… they could both wear their full kit
BTW, that game was on my 10th birthday
That whack was nasty!!
Lavezzi nearly got the ball over to Higuain. Vlaar cleared well.
He's been the most dangerous
Sneijder seems to have a problem now.
That should be a card…no intention to get the ball
Now Schneider is limping
Holland sitting too far back!!!
COME ON… STARTING PLAYING BETTER!!!
Hello gents,
Tame affair so far, with the Dutch looking particularly toothless. I think they are playing with fire. Their central defenders are making great clearances and tackles, but if that fails even once, Argentina can score.
Messi has been really quiet apart from that one free kick effort saved by Cillessen.
Evening, Red Devil. Are you still glowing from last night's match?
I think the Argentina defenders are quite strong. Real shut-down defenders who aren't giving the Dutch a sniff of goal.
I agree, the Argies look the more dangerous of the two sides.
Yes - but can they live with the German forward line at their best? I wouldn't expect another 7-1 drubbing, but I would back Germany against either of these two.
I don't understand what Holland are trying to do….not lose?
Looks like van Gall (sic) is reverting to the style of play that got them to the final 4 years ago.
Yes, some tasty challenges from both sides today.
Actually, the big victory has me worried on all accounts. It creates tremendous expectations. I hope the team looks at the France victory as their blueprint, since that is the type of effort it will take in the final.
I can understand that, but the Germans look especially focused. I don't think they'll let the unusual margin of victory bother them. I noticed how angry Neuer was when Oscar scored the consolation goal. They're all about the business this time. The only weak link mentally seems to be Ozil, who is in inexplicably bad form. Don't know what's wrong with Mesut.
Useless cross off the Argiie left
Half time
Bloody useless!!!
boo
Half-time: Well, that was a bit rubbish, especially after yesterday's fireworks. 0-0.
It really shows how little was at stake when Chile played the Netherlands. The Dutch are playing nowhere near as ambitiously as in that match versus a potentially more dangerous opponent (granted, with a weaker defense).
Blue Devil, it is my understanding that Wenger ruined Oezil ;)
Why aren't' the Dutch attacking???
I don't want to see United play like this
Oezil is somewhat of a fickle type. He tires mentally during the game and over the season.
However, he has been awful throughout. I would risk starting Goetze in his place.
Holland have only scored 2 first half goals and 10 after… fingers crossed
I think the penalty kick thing went to van Gaal's head. He thinks he is a master tactician (which he admittedly is), but it seems like he is getting too clever about playing the safest odds. Granted, the Argies have not really had a great chance yet, but if they do, the Dutch better have another two goals in 3 minutes up their sleeves like against poor Mexico.
Indi with a yellow is being replaced
I think that you may be right about Ozil being ruined by Wenger.
Argentina late coming out and still hanging around int he tunnel
The master tactician has swapped Janmaat in for Martins Indi.
Come on both teams… PLAY
The Dutch get us started in the second half.
Take off the shackles!!
Perez goes down again..it is a foul… but don't roll around
I think that Jon Champion is right - referees have been a lot more tolerant in this tournament. Only ten reds!
Garay was left with only one boot and so lumped it out of play.
RCP deshoed him
The ref runs out of patience. DiMichaelis goes into the book. He's been much more solid this June and July than he was in his much more hirsute incarnation at Citeh this past season.
Useless effort by Schneider
Sneijder is wasteful from the free kick.
I am really annoyed. I was looking forward to this game… it's walking pace
It's almost as if both sides are pacing themselves for extra time and pens.
The Dutch started off really well in the first two matches but have gotten more and more boring as the month has gone on. I agree with Red Devil - LVH is reverting to his old ways. Will he bring them to OT?
Robben looks clueless today
Don't know what's wrong with him.
This is pathetic
I have been less and less a World Cup fan thru the years
Why have Holland played like this today and in the Final last time!
Oh - I thought Higuain had some room there. But he seemed to head it straight down into the ground. Under pressure, yes, but what was that?
Even a throw in goes backwards
Thunderstorm warning coming through now for Western PA - who cares?!
It lasts forever too
I think Robben is an excellent player, but the Argentine defenders are really good. Surprisingly, like DB said, I think De Michelis is playing like he did 8 years ago.
Terrible touch by the dutch sub… useless
De Jong coming off for Classie…hope he is
seems like the Dutch have a bit more attacking intent this half.
BD - As the replay shows, that was a strong defensive header.
Now the rain comes down, too. Hey, this is Dutch weather. Bring it on, Oranje!
Messi and Robben have been invisible!!
RvP too
I've had it with this match and had it with rain at this point. Still smarting from missing out on seeing Tom Sholtz and the boys last night.
Vlar is playing a solid tourney. He should get some big offers when this is done.
At this point, I'd say disqualify both teams and let Ghana have another shot at the Germans. That was a great attacking match.
Another one who seems to be raising his game at this tournament. He was terrible for Villa all season.
Bring back England for the epic final with the Germans!
Oh, I forgot. Africa's darlings got only 1 point and even lost to the US. Ok, how about Chile?
Why can't Holland do it again like they did to Spain
I'm off, lads. I'll have to watch the rest of regulation, extra time and the inevitable penalties later on.
Ween was the last time RVP touched the ball
I would say "enjoy," but....
Cheerio!
Take care Bob
What an atrocious free kick from Messi.. it was Rooney type corner!
Nice cross, Messi. There goes my hope of having him be the tourney MVP. My picks are going to sh*t.
I am annoyed with both these teams!!!
BLOODY HELL.. another atrocious pass
STAY ON SIDE RVP
You look clueless
Higuain looks like he scored… John Champion thought it was in… it wasn't and it was offside… of course
I'd kick it right at the Argie keeper. He can't hold onto anything.
UNBELIEVABLE from Schneider…. way out of play!!!
Can Di Maria be back for the final?
I heard he could
Aguero coming on soon
Here he comes,,, if the bloke can put the right numbers and hold up the board
I just read that Hummels will probably be fine for the final. He was feeling a bit tight, and it was 5-0 at halftime, so he chose not to risk anything.
I figured he was taken off for precautionary reasons
shouldn't Aguero get a yellow for that? Silva must be fuming.
I thought the same thing
and here we were hoping that Higuain was back in the swing of things. Instead, subbed deservedly.
Messi finds Aguero… he tried to cross it… why not shoot.. he would have if he was wearing City blue
Why didn't Masch try and shoot as well
looked like the Dutch were ready to counter-attack there, but then realized the Argentines might not be ready, so they held back.
both teams are clueless
Argentina are the only team to win all their games
and have not been behind for one second so far
Since they are playing at walking pace, it would be nice if they allowed a documentary film crew on the pitch to get a close-up.
Argentina have won all four of their previous semi finals… they were pathetic in 1990 too
the Robben of old
three added minutes…. Robben in… bad touch!!!
look how Schneider doesn't have the ball in the arc… why cheat
romero has had a great volleyball match.
get it in the danger area… they're going backwards!
Bloody useless…
Offside AGAIN!!!
That's it… boos all round
Pathetic from both teams… I'm disgusted
I just realized why they are playing so catatonically. No one wants to play the Germans.
The Dutch are hard at work figuring out who will take the penalties, and what Argie tendencies are.
Actually, that might be a good thing, as it might force Argentina to go forward?
Alan Green, commentating on BBC Radio 5 live
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina
"An apology of a football match. Abysmal."
LVG has made two substitutions so far, will he bring on the Hunter or will he bring on Krul for pens
Holland continue to go sideways or backwards!!!
RvP has been atrocious!!!
Looks like the Hunter will come on… no sub for Krul left
TWO shots on target TOTAL… both by Argentina
This tournament only needed 5 more goals to eclipse 98… this aint helping
Struth.. an atrocious cross by Kuyt
well, both teams learned from the example of Brazil last night. They remain dedicated to not making any defensive errors.
Another atrocious play by RVP
LVG taking him off for Huntelear… I guess he's score the winner
GET IT OVER ROBBEN
How about at least trying to win
ANOTHER ATROCIOUS CROSS BY SCHNEIDER
Are goalie subs not in a separate pool, now?
ref has been good, no?
HOLLAND HAVE A SHOT ON TARGET… from a mile out… straight at the keeper
agreed
Both teams are clueless
I still feel either team will have good chances versus Germany, since they usually leave about 6 players back in the defense.
Klose got a red for that last World Cup versus Serbia.
15 minutes from a mercy ruling
half time of extra time
STILL FED UP
Why are the players tired… they have not done anything!!
UWS,
call me slow, but I just realized that it was Bob who was leaving, and all this time I was expecting you to hit the road, and wondering why you were still blogging.
that's the keeper's second pull-back like that. The Argies should note that.
Boy you're quick!!!
Bob had to take Steve to the airport
each time he did the pull-back, he emerged with a somewhat shaken smile.
We're off again and Holland go backwards of course!!
Zabelletta gets hit in the face and falls right down on his back
Did he lose some teeth… no more subs left
well. I'm going to get a midnight snack.
Holland have not scored in 227 minutes of football
Do they deserve to make the final?
Some bloke said on the BBC that he would prefer this match than yesterday… what a numpty
I guess the only thing better about this semi is that both managers are well-dressed.
LVG better not have United playing like this!!
The Prem doesn't have extra time or pens
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