It’s all Messi or ‘robbery’

This is the semi of two average sides with exceptions singletons. Messi has single-handedly carried Argentina this far, while without Robben’s robberies and runs, Le Oranje would not have gone past the first round. But they are here and soccer fans have to embrace both sides. Argentina have made the semis for the first time since Italia ‘90 when Diego Maradona captained the side. He was wearing the famous Shirt 10 that Lionel Messi now proudly adorns. Maradona also had the armband and he was as diminutive as he was crafty. To complete it, his sleek runs came with a maze of a left-footed wonder. To many, describing Maradona this way is like describing Messi. Only difference is that while Maradona had nothing to prove, Messi is proving to the world that he belongs to another planet. Like Argentina, Netherlands have been riding on the brilliance and stunts of Robben. His dives and going down too easily is something he admits. He has won several freekicks and a penalty that helped them through. Alongside Robben is the struggling shadow of Wesley Sneijder’s former self and Robin van Persie, a man trying too hard to impress. That is the Netherlands we have had. And thanks to the tactical nous of Luis van Gaal, the team has found themselves against one of the sides tipped to make the cut for the finals before the tournament began. Tonight, Argentina welcome back Sergio Aguero from injury. The Manchester City striker has flopped bigger than they come and will want to get things done now or never. Just his presence on the pitch alone is a threat to the Dutch rearguard and will open more spaces for Messi. Chances that Netherlands can beat Argentina tonight are as slim as they come. It looks like a confortable win for Le Albacete. Netherlands 0-4 Argentina.

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It’s all Messi or ‘robbery’