Argentina and the Netherlands battle for final

The Netherlands and Argentina squads take the field today (July 9) at 5pm (local time) at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, to decide who will face Germany for the FIFA World Cup final.

Regardless of the outcome, the final game set-up will echo a past encounter. Germany faced Argentina in both Mexico 1986 and Italy 1990, a victory on each side. The Netherlands took on Germany in West Germany 1974, and the home team won.

In order to avenge its defeat, the Netherlands rely on speed moves with Robben, dashing from the right-hand side of the field and then passing or shooting with his left foot. Interaction between Robben, Sneijder and Van Persie poses a major threat to the Argentinian defense, which despite criticism did a good job against Belgium on Saturday (5).

Argentina has Messi and will badly need him. Missing an injured Di María, virtually all of Argentina's hopes of making it to the finals fall on their number 10 man. Good performance is also expected from Higuaín, who finally found the home net and showed some of his skills playing Belgium.

Both teams are coming from fierce battles. The Oranje only got their pass to the semi-finals by outdoing Costa Rica in the penalty shootouts. And Argentina beat Belgium 1-0 in a hard-fought match, with gradually improving performances on the side coached by Alejandro Sabella. The Dutch defense had a hard time with Costa Ricans and it may get even harder with Argentinians. On the other hand, the counter-attacks of the European team have often proved decisive.

Translated by Mayra Borges