World Cup: Netherlands vs. Argentina

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Brazil 2014

World Cup: Netherlands vs. Argentina

CNN brings you live coverage of the second semifinal of Brazil 2014 from Sao Paulo. The winner will play Germany in Sunday's final.

By Tom McGowan

ARGENTINA WINS PENALTY SHOOTOUT 4-2

Check it out: Post a comment below; tweet #CNNWorldCup

- Argentina reaches the final after the match finished 0-0
- The winner will play Germany in Sunday’s final

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 4:08:07 PM

3rd & 7 37yd

"If Argentina gets to the final, maybe I'll escape two days before!"

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 4:13:18 PM
It's a scenario all Brazilians feared.

Not only will their football heroes not be playing in the World Cup final, but the prospect of watching fierce rival Argentina lift the trophy in Rio de Janeiro is now looming large.

The only thing standing between Lionel Messi's team and a Sunday date at the Maracana stadium is the Netherlands -- a country who will gain 200 million extra fans once tonight's match kicks off in Sao Paulo.

I'm Tom McGowan, who's ready for the second semifinal of the 2014 World Cup? Let's get started.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:02:17 PM
Brazil fans were left devastated by Tuesday's 7-1 defeat to Germany.
(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:08:08 PM
For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past 24 hours, here's a quick recap of Tuesday's semifinal.

Germany rolled in Belo Horizonte, smashed in SEVEN goals and sent Brazilian football back to the stone age on its way to booking a place in the World Cup final.

Shocked, devastated, dumbfounded and heartbroken are all adjectives which come close to describing Brazil's national mood.

You can read our report on a jaw-dropping match right here.

How do you follow that? With another heavyweight tussle, that's how. Tonight it's a rematch of the 1978 final, it's the Netherlands vs. Argentina, it's Arjen Robben vs. Lionel Messi.

I can't promise you another 7-1 (it still doesn't feel right typing that), but I can promise you tension and drama by the bucket load.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:15:03 PM
Isa Soares
@IsaCNN
How much is 7-1 defeat hurting? Well, so far today, I've only seen 1 person wearing a Brazil shirt. lost their spark! #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:19:22 PM
As always, we want to hear from you ahead of another Europe vs. South America clash. Where are you watching the match? Who would you like to see in the final? Have you recovered from last night yet?!

Let us know by tweeting the hashtag #CNNWorldCup or by using the comment box. What are you waiting for? Get involved!

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:22:31 PM
Credit: (STAFF/AFP/Getty Images/file)
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:26:45 PM
This is a fixture rich in World Cup history. The pair's most recent encounter was a drab 0-0 at the 2006 tournament, but at France '98 Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp scored one of the finest goals in football history.

With seconds remaining of a quarterfinal tie in Marseille, Bergkamp controlled a 70-yard pass from Frank de Boer with one touch, evaded his marker with his second before flicking a sublime finish beyond goalkeeper Carlos Roa to seal a 2-1 win.

Here's a picture of the goal but, trust me, it doesn't do it justice.

Credit: (GEORGES GOBET/AFP/Getty Images/file)
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:30:47 PM
Credit: (THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images/file)
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:36:49 PM
Anyway, that's the end of our trip down memory lane. It's time to focus on tonight's match, which is just 20 MINUTES away.

The big fitness worry for the Dutch ahead of the clash at the Arena de Sao Paulo was captain Robin van Persie, who has been laid low with a stomach illness.

Is the striker fit enough to take part? Let's find out, it's time for some TEAM NEWS.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:40:51 PM
FIFAWorldCup
@FIFAWorldCup
#NED Line-Up: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, De Jong, Van Persie (c), Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, Wijnaldum #NEDARG #WorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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FIFAWorldCup
@FIFAWorldCup
#ARG Line-Up: Romero, Garay, Zabaleta, Biglia, Perez, Higuaín, Messi, Mascherano, Demichelis, Rojo, Lavezzi #NEDARG #WorldCup #joinin
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:43:13 PM
So Van Persie WILL lead the attack for the Netherlands, ably assisted by Arjen Robben who has been heralded as one of the players of the tournament.

Robben has three goals and his electric pace will be a worry for the Argentina defense. Midfielder Nigel de Jong is back in after a rapid recovery from a groin injury which appeared to have ended his World Cup.

De Jong's job will be to look after Lionel Messi, the Argentina No. 10 who is hell bent on leading his country to glory and cementing his status as a true football icon.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:46:20 PM
This is a match which has divided the clown community.
Credit: (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:49:17 PM
Alfredo Di Stefano, one of the finest footballers of all time, passed away this week, leading to a flood of tributes from across the world.

The legendary Real Madrid striker won the European Cup on FIVE occasions and played international football for Argentina, Spain and Colombia.

FIFA has announced that a moment of silence will be held ahead of tonight's kick off to remember an Argentine great.

by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:54:01 PM
The two teams make their way onto the pitch under grey Sao Paulo skies.

For one of these countries, the World Cup ends here. For the other, Rio awaits.

It's time for the national anthems...

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:55:41 PM
The stage is set. Credit: (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 7:57:06 PM
by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:01:02 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (3 mins)

Strong Argentine support inside the stadium as the Dutch enjoy early possession. The first meaningful burst of the match is a strong run from Enzo Perez, but the threat is snuffed out before he can feed Messi.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:04:10 PM
Shasta Darlington
@ShastaCNN
Love being here! Let the game begin! #ARG x #NED #CNNWorldCup http://t.co/aaf28V8HTp
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:04:37 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (6 mins)

The first glimpse of Robben as Wesley Sneijder squeezes a pass through to the pacey winger. Pablo Zabaleta does an excellent job of tracking Robben before blocking his attempted cross.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:07:22 PM
Ben Wyatt
@BenWyattCNN
Is it just my TV or is #ned kit unfeasibly bright ... They could land airplanes with those #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:08:39 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (15 mins)

Perez is hacked down by Ron Vlaar and Argentina is presented with a dangerous free kick just outside the penalty area.

Messi steps up, his low drives goes around the wall but is saved comfortably by Jasper Cillessen. Argentina has started strongly here and settled into the game well.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:13:32 PM
Zabaleta hunts down Robben in the opening moments. Credit: (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:14:18 PM
Isa Soares
@IsaCNN
After yesterday's game, it's good to be reminded what a strong semi-final game should be played like. #NEDARG #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:17:43 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (19 mins)

Well said, Isa. Unlike Brazil, these two teams are very well organized and evenly matched. Argentina is having more joy going forward, Zabaleta getting beyond the Dutch defense before his low cross is put behind for a corner.

De Jong has to be sharp to hoof clear the resulting set piece.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:20:38 PM
John Sinnott
@JohnSinnott
By the look of it both sides have decided to eschew suicidal defensive organization http://t.co/SBQoAWPMzE #ARGvsHOL #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:21:33 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (24 mins)

Dutch left fullback Daley Blind is having an uncomfortable few minutes. After being beaten by Zabaleta, he slips as Lavezzi gets to the byline and clips a cross just over Gonzalo Higuain's head.

Moments later Argentina force another corner from which Ezequiel heads over the crossbar, the clearest opening of the game so far.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:26:15 PM
Messi has been kept relatively quiet, so far. Credit: (NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:28:27 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (29 mins)

Worrying scenes for Argentina fans as Javier Mascherano hits the floor after a clash of heads with Georginio Wijnaldum.

The midfielder looked out cold as he hit the turf, his eyes glazed over as the medics rushed on.

After receiving treatment, he's able to get back to his feet and return to the fray.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:30:49 PM
John Sinnott
@JohnSinnott
Germany were already 4-0 against Brazil by this stage of the game...http://t.co/SBQoAWPMzE #ARG #NED #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:31:44 PM
Shasta Darlington
@ShastaCNN
#BRA fans cheering for #NED with gusto and against #ARG here at Corinthians stadium. #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:33:12 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (35 mins)

The Netherlands has grown into the contest in the last 10 minutes, forcing a couple of corner kicks and catching Argentina in possession in midfield.

Neither side has created a clear-cut chance yet, will we see a goal before halftime?

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:35:53 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (39 mins)

Messi is floored by Bruno Martins Indi on the touchline giving Argentina a free kick, while a foul committed on Sneijder a couple of minutes before means the midfielder is on the sidelines receiving treatment.

Argentina's free kick comes to nothing, both teams struggling for a goal threat at the minute.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:40:51 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (42 mins)

Meanwhile back in Rio...
Joe McCurdy
@JoeMcCurdyCNN
Here at the Maracana, you can see the #GER flag on the entrance - who will the hole be filled by? #CNNWorldCup http://t.co/talFzsoirj
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:43:04 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (45 mins)

Messi trying to force himself into the game with a strong run down the right which is ended by a trip from Martins Indi. The resulting free kick is taken by Messi, but his deep cross is over hit and goalkeeper Cillessen gathers.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:47:18 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:48:12 PM
HALFTIME: NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA

A stark contrast to last night's goal fest, tonight we're seeing two teams who are well drilled and realise what's at stake.

There's enough quality on either team to find a winning goal in the second half, but who will it be that makes the breakthrough?

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:50:56 PM
Garay wastes the clearest chance so far for Argentina. Credit: (Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 8:54:36 PM
John Sinnott
@JohnSinnott
How not to lose a World Cup semifinal HT #NED 0-0 #ARG http://t.co/SBQoAWPMzE #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:01:26 PM
It's raining ticket tape, but not goals. Credit: (Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:04:50 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (54 mins)

Whistles from the Brazilians in the stadium greet an extended period of possession for Argentina. The game has become very congested, with Messi and Robben both struggling to influence proceedings.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:14:58 PM
Argentina fans cheer on their team from Buenos Aires. Credit: (Getty Images)

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:16:33 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (58 mins)

Argentina looks dangerous for the first time this half as Lavezzi raids down the right-hand side. His cross is towards Higuain, but as the striker prepares to head towards goal substitute Daryl Janmaat gets across well to put him off.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:19:47 PM
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (62 mins)

Nigel de Jong's miraculous comeback lasts just over an hour. The AC Milan midfielder is replaced by Jordy Clasie, who's making his first appearance of the tournament.

by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:21:53 PM
CNN's own John Sinnott reminding these two teams, in German, that the ball must go in the goal.
John Sinnott
@JohnSinnott
Gentle reminder to #NED and #ARG Das Runde muss ins Eckige http://t.co/SBQoAWPMzE #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 9, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/9/2014 9:22:13 PM