The 2014 World Cup Semifinals continue today with the game between the Netherlands and Argentina. These two squads are a couple of the best teams in the world and they will compete for a spot in the finals. The World Cup Semifinals Start Time is set for 4:00 (EST) p.m. and it will be televised live on ESPN
The Netherlands reached the 2010 World Cup Finals, ultimately losing to Spain in the last match in the tournament. Now they have a chance to get back to the biggest stage in the world with a win over Argentina today. The Dutch were not expected to get to this point, having a team full of youngsters and some inexperience.
But it hasn't mattered. The Dutch were arguably the best team during the group stage, scoring at will and wrecking their way to the knockout stage. They then found a way to beat Mexico despite looking like it was over and claiming a 4-3 penalty kick win over Costa Rica in the next round.
Up next: Argentina, who has reached their fourth World Cup semifinals, this time led by Lionel Messi. This match will be played in Sao Paulo in a rematch of the 1978 World Cup Finals.
The duo of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben have fueled the Dutch to this point. They will look to continue to run the Netherlands into the next stage. The Netherlands have never won a World Cup title, but have played in the finals in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Argentina will play without Angel di Maria in this one. This Argentina team has beaten every team they've played by a single goal in this tournament. They've been in bad spots but come back to win and have dominated the pitch as well. Yet, in the end, they do just enough to pick up the victory.
This is the fifth matchup between these clubs in the World Cup, with the Dutch winning twice and Argentina claiming one win.
Could this one come down to Messi against Robben in the front end? If it does the fans will certainly enjoy this contest. If either team finds a way to corral the other's star they should have an advantage in this one.
We like the Netherlands to continue their magical journey to this point. Look for Robben and van Persie to make the difference here today.
Prediction: Netherlands 2, Argentina 1
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