Day 28 - Argentina v Netherlands

Pre-Match Thoughts
There's a slight bit of "how do you follow that?" with this game in regards to last night. Germany have set down a marker that they are capable of destroying any team that shows weakness. Neither of their potential opponents have shown much of that, but they haven't shown too much in the way of power too much, the Dutch's first game excepted.

For our friends from the Netherlands, there remains the constant title of "The Best Nation to Never Win the World Cup"... even England have won it! Finalists in '74, '78 and 2010 and now into the last four despite it not being a classic Dutch team. Louis van Gaal appears to be playing a careful tactical approach where he adapts to every situation rather than playing one single system.

As said before, Argentina are designed around Messi. If van Gaal can work out how to put the mockers on him, half the battle is won. I'm putting confidence in the future Manchester United manager and saying 2-1 to the Orange boys.

Drink
No work tomorrow, so hit me.

First Half
About an uneventful first half as you could wish for. Neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested, though the Dutch have had more to deal with. None of their attacking threats - van Persie, Snijder or Robben - has managed to make any impact. Argentina have looked *slightly* more threatening, but that's not saying much. Time for the teams to lively up themselves, or this is heading the distance.

Second Half
Pretty much as I feared, on some levels. There were two chances, one to either side. Argentina hit the side netting, then in dying moments, Robben had a chance, but left it too late to shoot. Therefore, extra time awaits, somewhat predictably.

Extra Time
It seemed through most of this that penalties were an inevitability. Which they turned out to be and this time, the Dutch's luck ran out. They missed two, Argentina scored all of theirs.

Result
Argentina win on pens, to play Germany in the final. The Netherlands will play Brazil in a totally pointless play-off for 3rd/4th place.

Sitcom of the Day
"Citizen Smith", as I'm on strike tomorrow. Power to the People!