2014 FIFA World Cup Predictions, Schedule, More: Argentina vs. Netherlands; Lionel Messi in Semifinals Action
Only three teams remain in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and two of those teams will be playing each other on Wednesday--Argentina and the Netherlands.
Historically, these two soccer thriving nations have played each other four times in the World Cup and are 2-2 against each other. The biggest game these two have played against one another was in the 1978 Finals, where Argentina won 3-1 in extra time.
This will be the fifth World Cup game involving these two and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Argentina
The No. 5 ranked team in the world is trying to make their fifth Finals appearance. With a third World Cup title, they would then break a tie with their South American neighbors, Uruguay. Argentina cruised through Group F by going 3-0 and only Switzerland has brought this team to extra time so far. Argentina defeated Switzerland in the round of 16, 1-0 in extras.
All eyes will be on 27-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, who is playing in his third World Cup. Messi has a team leading four goals so far, but his passing has been just as impressive. One of the biggest reasons Argentina is so successful is because they're the best teams when it comes to ball control. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero has a World Cup-leading three clean sheets so far.
Netherlands
Something's got to give.
Fans of the Netherlands National team can't wait any longer for a title. The Netherlands have been competing in the World Cup since 1934 and haven't won a title yet. They're 0-3 in the big game, which includes one to Argentina. Over the last two World Cups combined, this team is 10-1-1, but that doesn't mean anything if they can't hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament on Sunday, July 13.
The Netherlands are trying to return to Finals once again as they did in 2010. Arjen Robben has been their leading scorer alongside Robin van Persie with three goals each. Both are playing in their third World Cup and have led the Netherlands to the highest scoring offensive team of the tournament. After eliminating Mexico in the round of 16, the Dutch barely squeaked by Costa Rica. It took all 120 minutes and a shootout to get the win.
Predictions
Both of these teams are a perfect 5-0 so far. Not even a single tie. Unfortunately, somebody has to lose and go home in the semi-finals. Argentina will control the ball and play great team defense in order to shut down the high powered Netherlands offense. Argentina wins 3-2 in extra time.
Where and when to watch
Argentina and the Netherlands will face off Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. EST on ESPN.
The game will be played at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo in front of more than 60,000 fans. By this time, both teams will know the winner of Brazil-Germany game and who they could face in the Finals. Live streaming of the game can be seen at WatchESPN.
