The Netherlands and Argentina will replicate the 1978 World Cup final on Wednesday when the two countries meet in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal.

For Argentina, this semifinal is the nation's first since winning it all in 1986, while the Dutch are looking to get to their second straight final after losing to Spain in 2010's decisive game.

This game will showcase two contrasting sides in different form. Here is a look at what each side must do to play in the final next Sunday:

What Argentina Must Do


1. Commit to Defense

Argentina is not an offensive juggernaut. Or, at least, they have not been able to make that claim thus far in 2014.

The offense has been anemic and star players such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have shown up for brief moments throughout the tournament. But in the quarterfinals game against Belgium, Argentina proved that offensive flair is not necessary to win a tournament is solid defense replaces it. The team's commitment to shutting down a top offensive side was riveting to watch from a side that looked susceptible at the back for most of its first four games.

The Dutch possess dangerous offensive weapons and the team will need to be privy to the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. If they decide to play with a more direct approach, they will leave themselves vulnerable at the back and will be made to suffer by Robben's speed or Van Persie's technique.

2. Sergio Aguero Must be a Factor

That might be a hard thing to ask or expect from a man who is coming off an injury and was not noticeable prior to said malice. But Aguero's presence is essential for Argentina's success. If he is at his best, then he will force more Dutch defenders to guard him and open up space for the likes of Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. With Angel Di Maria out, the team needs more from its top stars and Aguero is surely one of them. Moreover, if he is fit, then the team will relish the chance to play with two strikers instead of one, thus nullifying the 5-3-2 that could be used to suffocate a lone striker.

3. Play With Pace on the Attack

The team must play defense, but when it is time to attack, Argentina must do it with abandon. Enough of this slow passing that will be easily shut down by a 5-3-2 formation. The Dutch have weaknesses (as evidenced by their performances against Costa Rica and Mexico) and speed is the best way to expose them. Lionel Messi has speed to boot and his genius should be the motor behind this kind of attack, but the rest of players must be ready to join in on the plan and catch the opposition off guard.

What the Netherlands Must Do


1. Play Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

This does not mean that Captain Robin van Persie must be dropped. But playing with two forwards would essentially force the team into a 4-3-3, a 3-4-3, or even a 4-4-2 formation of sorts and give them a chance to put tremendous pressure on a weak defense. Van Persie has not been at his best for a while, but he is bound to bounce back sooner or later. Meanwhile, Huntelaar is an imposing figure that would add another body to protect for Argentina and would thus make them more cautious on the attack.

2. Gang Up on Messi

Messi is the creative force behind Argentina's attack and if he is not at his best, then Argentina has no chance. What the Dutch must do is defend against Messi in packs. While that strategy may risk leaving space to others on the Argentine side, it will also wear the superstar down and limit his impact on the game. The Dutch have speed and strength and this strategy should wear down the best player in the world.

3. Keep Three Central Defenders at the Back

If Aguero and Higuain play, then the Dutch will need more cover at the back. The team admittedly does not have a strong backline, but defending in numbers has helped them quiet dangerous strikers in previous matches. With three central defenders, the team will have a better chance at shutting down the offensive duo, which has yet to really produce quality soccer throughout the tournament.

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