FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina vs Netherlands - 5 key players

Two of the biggest footballing nations will face off in a semi final clash on Wednesday in what promises to be a mouth watering encounter. Netherlands will be trying to emulate their performance from the 2010 World Cup of reaching another final and will look to hopefully winit for the first time.On the other hand, Argentina have finally broken their quarter final jinx and reached a semi final after 24 years. They would be looking to gofurther and laying their hands on the trophy a third time.Both the teams have reliedon players in different positions to carry them through nervy and close matches in this tournament. LaAlbiceleste have relied on the magic ofLionel Messi whereas Netherlands have relied on the counter attacking exploits of Arjen Robben to carry them through to the semi finals.However, apart from the obvious twothere are other players who would be key in deciding the outcome of the semifinals. We look at 5 such players.

#5 Dirk Kuyt

Labeled Mr. Duracell during his time at Liverpool, Dirk Kuyt is a player who has been an important cog in Van Gaal’s ever changing formations. It is his ability to play anywhere on the pitch that has won him plaudits in the tournament.

His game intelligence and positional understandinghas seen him being deployed at left back, right back, left wing and even as a striker. His best game till date was against Mexico where in sapping conditions he was one of the standout performers as he played in all of those above positions.

He has a high work rate and is disciplined which is an important asset for the Oranje whether they are defending or attacking. He may not have scored any goals till date but he has provided great support and was also instrumental in winning the key corner against Mexico which led to the equaliser.

#4 Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder was arguably Oranje’s best player at the 2010 World Cup, as he led the attack as the playmaker and scored in all the important knockout games. Plying his trade in Turkey, his form has been patchy but his quality can never be questioned. He was a doubt to be selected for the World Cup but after having made the cut, he has utilized the opportunity well.

Staring the tournament slowly in the group stages led to questions being raised about his quality but he has been able to silence his critics with clinical performances against Mexico and Costa Rica. A player capable of creating and seizing key moments, he has the ability of delivering match winning performances in big matches.

In this tournament too, it was the goal he scored against Mexico which proved to be decisive. Against Costa Rica he was the side’s best player and came close to getting a result twice for the team before the penalty shootout.

His ability to influence a game and control the game in midfield will be required against a well drilled and disciplined Argentine midfield and defense.

#3 Javier Mascherano

One of the unsung heroes of Argentina’s success in the World Cup so far, Javier Mascherano has been an influential figure in the center of midfield. Playing at the center of defense for Barcelona, many would have thought he would have lost his panache in the midfield, an area which he had mastered at Liverpool.

However, Mascherano has been one of the stand out performers for La Albiceleste. Not always in the spotlight like Messi or Di Maria, he has gone about his work silently. He has been able to control the midfield and definitely put in his best performance against Belgium.

He is good in possession, has the ability to break up play, stifle the opponents (as seen against Belgium’s midfield) as well as shield his defense.

Apart from defensive duties, he has also shown the vision necessary to open the game up for La Albiceleste when they counter attack teams. He has made a total of 24 tackles, 9 clearances and what is important is he has drawn a total of 10 fouls on himself. If Argentina are to progress to the finals Sabella would need his midfield general to be in full form.

#2 Arjen Robben

Oranje’s biggest attacking threat in this World Cup has been Arjen Robben. He has been in imperious from throughout the campaign and has gone from strength to strength after the opening game demolition of Spain.

Extremely quick and skillful with the ball, he has been extremely important in carving teams open, especially on the counter attack. In over 480 minutes on the pitch he has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist.

Robben has got the uncanny knack of picking up the ball anywhere on the field creating space for himself and his team mates. His main area of attack still remains through the right flank but he has the ability to roam the entire field. He has the ability to switch the game from defense to attack in an instant and once he gets the ball it is a herculean task to stop him. It is his supreme footballing ability and not his theatrics that the Dutch would require in the high voltage semifinal clash.

#1 Lionel Messi

Argentina’s most lethal weapon, Lionel Messi’s presence on the field itself is enough to lift the morale of the team. The four time Ballon d’or Winner has lived up to the expectations and made one of the biggest impacts in this tournament. The team has been built around him so that he can exude his brilliance for the country. Messi has been magnificent in all the matches scoring 4 goals of which the goal against Iran will remain etched in the memory for years to come.

It is not only his goals that have been important but it is also his overall game including the dribbles, runs, movement and an eye for the through ball that has benefitted the likes of Di Maria and Higuain. Argentina would depend even more on him to help them get past the Dutch challenge.