Argentina returns to the Final after penalty drama

Goodbye Netherlands

Bringing together two of the most historic teams in the history of the game, the semifinal clash at the Arena Corinthians between Argentina and the Netherlands promised to be an interesting battle as the South American fast-pace rhythm clashed off against the European's tactical discipline.

The Argentine squad took control of the match from the get go as the ball continuously passed through the feet of the Albiceleste as Ezequiel Lavezzi and, Angel Di Maria replacement, Enzo Perez managed to pull the strings going forward.

Despite being out gained by the South Americans in ball possession, the Oranje showed composure against the incoming Argentine advances; dealing comfortably with any attempt to get through on goal while patiently building up their plays towards goal.

As expected, it was Argentina who managed to produce the initial chances on goal.

A Messi free-kick and a cheeky bit of skill à la Rene Higuita were the highlights for keeper Jasper Cillessen, who managed to maintain his goal intact.

Centerback Ezequiel Garay came dangerously close from opening the score on a corner-kick with a diving header but came short from making contact with the ball inside the small-box.

Relying on the creative mind of Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch attempted to breakthrough to the Argentine penalty area; coming dangerously close with a cross for De Vrij, who was inches away from heading the ball before Romero came-off his line to punch the ball away.

The intensity of the match would fade as the rest of the first-half would be played out in the center of the field, with few interventions needed by either goalkeeper.

However, there was some nervousness after Javier Mascherano received a heavy blow on an accidental headbutt with Wijnaldum; forcing the medics to be rushed on the field as the midfielder appeared to have lost consciousness.

With the remaining first minutes of the match continuing to be played out in midfield, the game began to take a harsh approach as fouls began to fly between both sides. With tempers flaring, the ref whistled half-time in an attempt to keep the game from getting out of hands.

The second-half began where it had left-off. As the tactical clash between both sides ensued that both teams would allow the other any sort of open space to capitalize on; ensuing that the likes of a returning Nigel de Jong and Mascherano organized their respective midfields the way a General commands his army .

Argentina appeared to be in position to open the scoring as Lavezzi whipped up a near-perfect cross for Higuain inside the Dutch penalty area. However, second-half sub Daryl Janmaat was able to harass the Napoli striker from heading properly; missing the biggest chance of the match so far.

Louis van Gaal’s men would respond with runs down the wings by both Arjen Rooben and Dirk Kuyt as they attempted to break through the South American wall but to no avail.

The tactical strategy by both van Gaal and Alejandro Sabella continued to make life a living hell for the others attacking aspirations; as neither Messi nor Robben were able to find a characteristic moment of magic.

Fans in the Arena Corinthians thought they had had their patience rewarded under the rain as Higuain seemed to have struck home the opening goal in the 75th minute as the ball hit the outside of the net; to discontent of the Argentina fans that had sworn they saw a goal.

The match continued to produce few chances on goal as neither team was able to finish –off plays due to a poor first touch; ensuing extra-time. However, Robben had a chance to kill of the game after a skillful run but a heroic slide by Mascherano denied the Dutch from pulling the trigger in what appeared to be the game wining goal.

With neither team being able to break the deadlock in the initial ninety minutes of the match; both teams were forced to fight-off tired legs for the ticket to the final against Germany.

Contrary to the storyline of regular time, the Clockwork Orange was the team to come out with a bang at the start of the whistle; building precious momentum every time they crossed midfield.

Despite knowing the possibility of having to head into yet another penalty shootout, van Gaal’s decision to replace Robin van Persie with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar meant that Quarterfinal hero Tim Kruul would remain on the bench.

A dangerous cross from Messi on a free-kick put an end to the first-half of extra-time as Cillessen raced off his line to punch the ball away.

With yet another Higuita-esque gamble by Cillessen, the final fifteen minutes of the second-half started off with the drama that was expected of a Semifinal clash headed towards a penalty shootout.

After a short injury break following a harsh collision between Pablo Zabaleta and Dirk Kuyt, the Dutch attempted to resume their first-half momentum by working their way towards the Argentine goal as Argentina looked to store the ball away.

After holding possession of the ball for a lapse of time, La Albiceleste had a moment of brilliance as a series of first-touches ended with Rodrigo Palacio one-on-one against the Dutch keeper.

However, the Inter man was unable to head the ball properly; wasting the opportunity to give his team the lead in the dying stages of a match that was to be decided on penalty kicks.

With the drama and intensity of a ticket to the final on the line, the Dutch were the first to take the spot kick as Ron Vlaar walked up to the spot-line.

However, little did the world know, that the man catalogued as the weakest link in Argentina would cover himself with a hero’s cape.

Sergio Romero was able to block Vlaar’s poor attempt and a well placed strike by Sneijder, setting the momentum on Argentina’s side as Messi, Garay and Agüero went on to convert their respective penalties as Robben & Kuyt maintained the Dutch in the fight.

With his country’s hopes resting on his shoulders, Maxi Rodriguez struck a thunderous shot that bended Cillessen’s hands and awarded Argentina their first Final appearance since 1990.

The historic rivalry with Germany will have a new chapter on Sunday as both nations face-off once more in one of football’s biggest stages, the Maracana Stadium, in front of millions of spectators in Brazil.

Via Soccerly.com

Editorial@sandiegored.com

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