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The coach, who will take over from Louis van Gaal after the World Cup, believes the Dutch should be confident heading into Wednesday's semi-final
Guus Hiddink believes Netherlands have plenty of reasons to be confident when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
Louis van Gaal's men booked their place in the last four in dramatic fashion on Saturday, beating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended goalless.
The most notable moment in the contest came when Van Gaal made the controversial decision to bring on substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul in favour of number one shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen for the shootout.
It was a move that paid dividends as Krul, who dived the correct way for every one of Costa Rica's penalties, made two crucial saves to ensure the Oranje progressed.
Hiddink, who will take over from Manchester United-bound Van Gaal after the World Cup for a second stint in charge of the national side, praised the switch as "excellent" and hopes Netherlands can reach a second-successive final by beating Argentina.
Speaking of Van Gaal's risky decision, Hiddink told De Telegraaf: "The technical team has done great preparation. [It was] a great example of teamwork.
"If you see the qualities of this team we should have confidence [against Argentina].
"Of course the Argentines have [Lionel] Messi who can do something crazy, but we have [Arjen] Robben who can do that too."
Netherlands-Argentina Preview: Aguero and De Jong fit for semi-final clash
By Alec Fenn
Jul 8, 2014 8:55:00 AM
Dutch midfielder and Manchester City striker have both recovered from injury to feature for their respective nations, as they battle it out to face Germany or Brazil in the final
Wednesday’s second semi-final brings together two of the world’s most enthralling footballing nations in a repeat of the final from the last South American World Cup in Argentina in 1978.
Netherlands have confounded many people’s expectations by reaching the last four with a squad of which very little was expected. Whereas their reliance on a large number of Eredivisie-based players was thought to be a weakness, the impact of many of the lesser names has been a real strength in their run to the semi-finals.
Coach Louis van Gaal has needed such a boost from the supporting cast too, with pre-tournament injuries to Kevin Strootman and Stijn Schaars followed by the loss of Nigel De Jong in the early moments of the last-16 clash against Mexico.
Having stunned many by bringing on Tim Krul to make the winning penalty saves against Costa Rica in the last round, Van Gaal is set to hand first-choice keeper Jasper Cillessen the gloves once more against Argentina in what is likely to be an unchanged starting XI.
Van Gaal's opposite number Alejandro Sabella has no such luxury, with Angel Di Maria missing due to a thigh strain which is likely to rule him out of the rest of the tournament.
While Sergio Aguero returns after a leg muscle injury, Sabella must choose whether to give Ezequiel Lavezzi a start or bring in one of Fernando Gago or Maxi Rodriguez in Di Maria’s place.
Marcos Rojo’s return from suspension should see him start ahead of Jose Maria Basanta, while Federico Fernandez could again miss out in favour of Martin Demichelis.
NETHERLANDS: Cillessen; Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi; Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind; Robben, Van Persie, Depay.
It is blue versus orange in Sao Paulo, as supporters of Argentina and Netherlands prepare to get behind their teams for the semi-final clash at Corinthians arena. Photo: AFP
Fuelled by decades of hurt, Lionel Messi's Argentina and Arjen Robben's Netherlands will carry competing motivations into their tantalising World Cup semi-final showdown at Sao Paulo's Corinthians arena.
Argentina, who last reached the final in 1990, will be determined to pay homage to former great Alfredo di Stefano, who died on Monday aged 88, while arch-rivals Brazil could by then be awaiting in the final.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are eager to rediscover their group-stage swagger and prove they are finally ready to claim football's greatest prize after agonising final defeats in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
"The semi-finals are fantastic, but we know what it feels like to lose a World Cup, and we would love to win," Dutch utility man Dirk Kuyt said.
"Argentina are a world-class team and they deserve to be in the last four. But we want to measure ourselves against the best, and not only measure, but win. That's why we're here."
Dennis Bergkamp is jubilant after scoring the winning goal against Argentina in their quarter-final in the 1998 World Cup in Marseille. The Dutch won 2-1. Photo: AP
The second of Holland's final losses came at the hands of Argentina, who won 3-1 as hosts at a Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires broiling with the menace of military dictatorship.
It is, however, the only time in eight encounters that they have bettered the Netherlands, who memorably won a 1998 World Cup quarter-final in Marseille thanks to a majestic last-minute goal by Dennis Bergkamp.
Di Stefano never graced a World Cup, either for Argentina or his adopted Spain, but another Argentine great embraced by the Spanish can tighten his grip on this year's tournament.
Messi met with quarter-final heartbreak at his first two World Cups, but in Brazil the Barcelona superstar has played with a decisiveness that suggests he may be about to definitively make his mark on the game's biggest stage.
Argentina's Lionel Messi relaxes during a training session in Belo Horizonte ahead of their semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Photo: Xinhua
Messi has held on to the captaincy since the Copa America in 2011 when Javier Mascherano was sent off late in regulation time in the quarter-final against Uruguay, but Mascherano remains the inspirational voice in the locker room.
Known as jefecito, or "Little Boss", the defensive midfielder has fired up Argentina for what has become their best World Cup run since 1990.
"We're in a place where Argentina hasn't been for a long time," Mascherano said. "These opportunities come only so often and you can't let them go by."
Dutch danger man Robben is also in scintillating form, but for all the stars on show, the game in Brazil's sprawling financial capital will also be a painstakingly prepared tactical battle.
Netherlands forward Arjen Robben controls the ball during training at the Paulo Machado de Carvalho Stadium in Sao Paulo. Photo: AFP
The Netherlands needed penalties to see off Costa Rica in the last eight and as the panache that saw them crush Spain 5-1 in their opening game begins to ebb, it is their coach who has taken centre stage.
Louis van Gaal was heralded for a decisive tactical switch against Mexico and then pulled off a masterstroke against Costa Rica by sending on reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul, who saved two penalties in the shoot-out.
The future Manchester United manager has played with a three-man defence in three of Holland's five games to date and his innovations mean that his team sheet will be awaited with great anticipation.
One name unlikely to feature, however, is centre-back Ron Vlaar, who is a serious doubt with a knee injury. Joel Veltman is in line to come into central defence alongside Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan de Vrij, unless Van Gaal opts for a back four.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, whose side beat Belgium 1-0 in the quarter-finals, is without influential midfielder Angel Di Maria because of injury, but left-back Marcos Rojo is available again after suspension.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal against Belgium showed that Argentina are not entirely dependent on Messi, but Mascherano has warned his side they face an evening of knife-edge tension.
"We know that we are going to play against a team that is at its best when playing on the counter-attack, because of the pace they have in attack," said the Barcelona player.
"We need to make sure we don't lose the ball unnecessarily. Concentration will be key, along with the way we set our stall out and we will need to be patient when making decisions."
Brazil 1-7 Germany: Klose makes World Cup history as hosts suffer semi-final obliteration
Jul 8, 2014 22:48:00
The veteran striker broke Ronaldo's record for finals goals as Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle combined to decimate Luiz Felipe Scolari's side
Germany have reached the World Cup final after they annihiliated hosts Brazil 7-1 in their semi-final clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Shorn of injured playmaker Neymar, who suffered a fractured vertebra in the quarter-final against Colombia, and suspended captain Thiago Silva, Brazil were torn apart by a ruthless Germany at Estadio Mineirao.
Miroslav Klose became the leading scorer in World Cup finals history as Joachim Low's side scored four goals in the space of six first-half minutes and led 5-0 after only 29 minutes, then struck twice in the second half to set up a final against either Netherlands or Argentina at the Maracana on Sunday.
Thomas Muller set the ball rolling with his fifth of the tournament and veteran striker Klose netted his 16th World Cup goal, surpassing legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo's tally as the shell-shocked Selecao were totally outclassed.
Brazil had no answer to Germany's passing and movement as Toni Kroos struck twice and Sami Khedira added a fifth before substitute Andre Schurrle scored twice in the second half as the hosts were totally humiliated in the most emphatic semi-final win in World Cup history.
Oscar pulled back a late goal on the break, but it was no consolation on a miserable night for Brazil.
Germany were a class apart and Brazil fans sportingly applauded as they became the first team to score seven goals in a World Cup semi-final and will take some beating as they attempt to win the trophy for the first time since 1990, while the inquest will now start for the home nation.
The hosts started brightly against Colombia in the quarter-finals, but looked nervous early on and Germany took full advantage when Muller put them in front just 11 minutes in courtesy of some dreadful defending.
It was all too straightforward for the Bayern Munich forward, who side-footed home after being left unmarked from an outswinging Kroos corner.
Brazil looked disjointed as they gave the ball away far too easily, while Germany were playing with a swagger and doubled their lead with a landmark Klose goal after 23 minutes.
Muller was involved once again, as he cut in from the right and laid the ball off for Klose after being picked out by an incisive Kroos pass. The veteran striker slotted into the corner with his right foot after Julio Cesar had kept out his initial attempt.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's men were stunned, but far worse was to come as Germany capitalised on more shambolic defending to score another three goals in the space of five minutes.
First, Kroos was on hand to fire home with his left foot from 18 yards after Muller had failed to make contact with a Philipp Lahm pass, then the midfielder struck again almost straight from the kick-off as Brazil fell apart.
The Bayern Munich man robbed Fernandinho as he dithered in possession and laid the ball off for Khedira, who unselfishly cut it back for his fellow midfielder to net.
And the outstanding Khedira got in on the act by adding a fifth with only 29 minutes gone, driving forward and passing to Mesut Ozil and then finishing with his right foot after the Arsenal midfielder cut the ball back to him inside the penalty area.
Scolari replaced Fernandinho and Hulk with Paulinho and Ramires at half-time and both substitutes were in the thick of the action early in the second half as they brought saves out of Manuel Neuer.
But normal service was resumed as Germany showed no mercy and Cesar produced a fine save to tip over Muller's goal-bound striker on the hour mark.
Cesar could do nothing to deny substitute Schurrle a sixth goal 69 minutes in, though, and once again it was all too easy as Lahm fed Khedira, who in turn picked out the Chelsea forward and he made no mistake with a simple finish.
And Schurrle put Germany in seventh heaven with a clinical left-foot finish at the near post 11 minutes from time that prompted Brazil fans to sportingly applaud despite their heartbreak.
Oscar pulled a goal back when he cut inside Jerome Boateng and finished a minute from time, but the damage had long since been done.
The 36-year-old has written a new piece of football history after surpassing the Brazil legend's tally of 15 World Cup goals
Miroslav Klose has become the top goalscorer in World Cup history after scoring in Germany's semi-final against Brazil on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old struck in the first half against the host nation, tapping home from point-blank range after Julio Cesar had denied him at the first attempt.
Since his last World Cup in 2006, Ronaldo's record tally of 15 goals in the competition had remained untouched, but Klose has now surpassed that tally at last in his fourth tournament.
The Lazio striker netted five goals at the 2002 World Cup, five times four years later, four in 2010 and now twice during this summer's showpiece.
Ronaldo amassed his strikes across three tournaments, in 1998, 2002 and 2006 - and lifted the famous trophy once along the way, 12 years ago this summer.
Klose, 36, started the tournament level on goals with compatriot, Gerd Muller, who starred in the 1970 and 1974 tournaments and boasts an incredible ratio of 1.08 goals per World Cup games.
Klose, who was born in Poland, made his Germany debut as a substitute on March 24, 2011 and marked the occasion with a goal.
He struck again against Greece just four days later - despite being afforded just 33 minutes over the course of his first two international outings - and the goals just never stopped coming, particularly in major tournaments.
It proved to be a record-breaking night in Belo Horizonte as the host nation were humiliated by Joachim Low's men
Germany's extraordinary 7-1 humiliation of Brazil in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final saw a number of records broken by both sides. Here, Goal picks over some of the feats from the astonishing fixture in Belo Horizonte...
- The biggest-ever winning margin in a World Cup semi-final. The previous best were Argentina's 6-1 victory over the USA, Uruguay's 6-1 triumph versus Yugoslavia in 1930 and West Germany's 6-1 win against Austria in 1954.
- Brazil equalled their biggest-ever margin of defeat. Their previous heaviest loss was 6-0 to Uruguay in the 1920 Copa America.
- Brazil conceded 11 goals at World Cup 2014, equalling the number they shipped in 1938.
- Brazil's first home defeat in a competitive match since 1975 when they lost 3-1 to Peru in the Copa America semi-finals.
- The first time Brazil had ever conceded seven in a World Cup match. They have only conceded more once in any fixture, an 8-4 loss to Yugoslavia in a friendly in 1934.
- Miroslav Klose became the leading scorer in World Cup finals. His goal was his 16th, one more than former Brazil striker Ronaldo.
- Klose also became the first man ever to play in four World Cup semi-finals.
- Klose has been on the winning side 16 times at the World Cup, equalling the record set by former Brazil full-back Cafu.
- Thomas Muller's goal was Germany's 2000th in all matches played. Fritz Becker got their first in 1908.
Just like watching Brazil - Famous World Cup humiliations
Jul 8, 2014 23:33:00
After the Selecao suffered a chastening capitulation in their semi-final with Germany, Goal takes a look back at teams that have seen similar embarrassment on the World Cup stage
By Andrew Wychrij
As World Cup hosts, Brazil could be forgiven for struggling to handle the weight of expectation placed on their shoulders in Tuesday's semi-final.
However, few would have predicted a remarkable first-half collapse against Germany.
Joachim Low's side scored five goals in just 18 minutes on the way to securing a 7-1 win, silencing the Belo Horizonte crowd and ended Brazilian hopes of lifting the trophy for a sixth time.
That said, Luiz Felipe Scolari's Selecao are far from the first side to endure the disgrace of a thrashing at international football's most prestigious event.
Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia, 2002
Germany recorded their biggest ever World Cup win with an 8-0 thumping of a desperately poor Saudi Arabia. Miroslav Klose scored a hat-trick, as Michael Ballack, Carsten Jancker, Thomas Linke, Oliver Bierhoff and Bernd Schneider all joined in the rout. Germany had 15 shots on target; their opponents had none.
The defeat set the tone for both teams’ tournaments, as Rudi Voller's side went on to be beaten 2-0 in the final by Brazil and the Saudis exited at the group stages after losing to Cameroon and the Republic of Ireland.
The 8-0 scoreline represented the worst loss by a team in the World Cup since 1982 and the largest margin of defeat without scoring a goal since 1974.
Saudi Arabia’s -12 goal difference was the third worst goal in World Cup history, equalling El Salvador’s showing in 1982. Head coach Nasser Al Johar was sacked following the tournament.
Hungary 8-3 West Germany, 1954
From 1950, Hungary boss Gusztav Sebes instilled a ruthless streak in the Magyars' game. Their attacking 3-2-1-4 formation saw them play 50 games between 1950 and 1956, winning 42, drawing 7 and losing just once.
Hungary had begun their World Cup campaign in Switzerland with a 9-0 defeat of South Korea and found West Germany barely more of a contest in their second game.
The Mighty Magyars lived up to their formidable reputation by thrashing an admittedly unseeded and weakened West German side. Sandor Kocsis scored four, ending the World Cup as top scorer with eleven, Nandor Hidegkuti got two and Ferenc Puskas and Jozsef Toth added the remainder.
Hungary have long held a place in the pantheon of the greatest teams to ever play the game and demonstrated that in Switzerland, only blemishing that impression with a defeat in the final to the previously vanquished West Germany.
West Germany 6-1 Austria, 1954
After wobbling against Hungary, West Germany only managed to escape the group stages after a 7-2 play-off win over Turkey. However, Sepp Herberger’s side had apparently been rejuvenated after their earlier humiliation.
Following a 2-0 defeat of Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, the West Germans turned their attention to their neighbours Austria and dished out an impressive display. Inspired by Max Morlock, they completed a reversal in fortunes by scoring six with Hans Schafer, Ottmar Walter, two penalties from Fritz Walter and one from Morlock himself.
They progressed to the final where it appeared that the Hungarians were an unstoppable force en route to the Jules Rimet trophy. However, West Germany triumphed against their illustrious opponents, despite being 2-0 down after only eight minutes. The ‘Miracle of Bern’ as the game came to be known saw a historic 3-2 turnaround as the West Germans won their first ever World Cup.
Yugoslavia 9-0 Zaire, 1974
Zaire entered the World Cup in West Germany with high hopes. Promoted and bankrolled by Zairean dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, the Leopards were African Cup of Nations champions and the first sub-Saharan side to make it to the prestigious arena of the World Cup.
However, after an opening 2-0 defeat to Scotland, Zaire conspired to put in an awful display. 3-0 down after less than 20 minutes, an ignoble loss was likely to be on the cards. Dusan Bajevic starred as he grabbed three goals for the Blues and consigned the team coached by his fellow countryman, Blagoje Vidinic, to a heavy loss in Gelsenkirchen.
Zaire’s miserable tournament was brought to an end after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, leaving them without a point, without a goal and a goal difference of -14, an all-time low that only South Korea’s -16 in 1954 have managed to do worse than. Zaire’s 1974 remains a low point for African football in the tournament.
Argentina 6-0 Peru, 1978
On the face of it, Argentina’s 6-0 thumping of Peru in 1978 could be heralded as one of the most incredible results in the tournament’s history. The reality, however, was considerably murkier.
The Peruvians were reigning Copa America champions and the Albiceleste needed an improbable 4-0 win to reach a World Cup final on home soil. The second-round game in Rosario saw them surpass even that milestone. Mario Kempes and Leopoldo Luque scored twice and Alberto Tarantini and Rene Houseman grabbed one each as the South Americans sealed a miraculous victory on the way to defeating the Netherlands in the final.
Far from being regarded as a humbling defeat, the game is a far more serious humiliation amid accusations that Argentinian dictator Jorge Videla and Peru’s then-president Francisco Bermudez had struck a deal. The game has been mired in controversy ever since, considered by some as the World Cup’s biggest ever fix.
Best World Cup performance ever? Brazil humiliated themselves, not Germany
Jul 9, 2014 00:00:00
COMMENT: Germany are receiving all the plaudits after their 7-1 thumping of hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte. But the truth is that Brazil inflicted this humiliation on themselves
By Carlo Garganese
Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil on Tuesday will go down as arguably the most stunning result in World Cup history.
World Cup semi-finals are almost always very tight and tense affairs. The last time a last-four clash was won by more than one goal in 90 minutes was 28 years ago when Diego Maradona led Argentina to a 2-0 success over Belgium at Mexico ’86.
Before the game, Brazil were marginal favourites – despite losing their two best players, Neymar and Thiago Silva, to injury and suspension respectively. They had not lost a competitive game at home since 1975 and with the whole country behind them it seemed that nothing could stop the Selecao in their quest for a sixth world title.
For Germany to not only beat Brazil in their own backyard, but to register one of the highest margins of victory at a World Cup finals is almost impossible to believe.
"That was football from another galaxy," gushed DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach.
But how much credit do Germany really deserve?
Granted, Joachim Low got his tactics spot on with Germany’s pressing and counter-attacking picking Brazil apart time and again. Low must also be praised for swallowing his pride after the second round scare against Algeria and restoring Philipp Lahm to his rightful position at full back. The decision to drop Per Mertesacker further tightened the backline.
Germany were ruthless in the attacking third – bringing back memories of the great West German sides of the seventies and eighties when the likes of Gerd Muller, Wolfgang Overath and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge would show opponents no mercy. Thomas Muller and new World Cup record scorer Miroslav Klose certainly fall into a similar category.
Hips don't lie | David Luiz had a nightmare in defence alongside Dante
But the hard truth is that the reason why Germany inflicted such a humiliation on their hosts was because Brazil were an utter shambles. Sunday League players would be ashamed to perform at such an abominable level.
Germany did not have to work for their goals – they were given to them. David Luiz and Dante may as well have been wearing white shirts so embarrassing was their defending on almost all of the seven strikes. Fernandinho gifted Toni Kroos his first goal straight from the restart as if it had been pre-planned.
“You have to give Germany credit, but the truth is that it was a woeful, woeful performance from Brazil. In 40 years I have never seen anything like it,” Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, who played against Tele Santana's wonderful Brazil side of Zico, Socrates and Falcao at the 1982 World Cup, told the BBC.
Had the Europeans dismantled an outstanding opponent, then they would deserve every superlative thrown their way. But this is the most talentless Brazil team that has ever appeared at a World Cup.
A Brazil squad whose two centre-forwards are Fred and Jo. A squad whose right back, Maicon, is so past-it that he is left gasping for breath after the first five minutes. A squad with midfielders, like Ramires and Paulinho, who can't even pass the ball five yards square. A squad containing reserves from QPR, Napoli and Spurs. A squad which includes a host of sub-par players who were picked by Luiz Felipe Scolari solely for personal rather than professional reasons.
Die Mannschaft deserve credit for such an historic result, and this golden generation of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lahm and Klose certainly merits a trophy before they retire, but let’s get real – the big story here is that Brazil were an embarrassment.
Argentina must get under Robben's skin, says Demichelis
Jul 9, 2014 10:26:00
The experienced defender has singled out his former team-mate as the man to watch, but is ready to do whatever it takes to stop him
Argentina defender Martin Demichelis has admitted he will try and "get under the skin" of Netherlands star Arjen Robben in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.
Demichelis - who played alongside Robben and under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal at Bayern Munich - believes the winger can be stopped if they adopt a physical approach.
"We have to be aggressive, to show the passion of the Argentinian players to the Dutch – and especially to Robben, Demichelis told Clarin.
He doesn't like physical contact, so you have to make him feel it and get under his skin. He is a phenomenon and it is vital to know which way he goes. But he's not got much edge, he's not a fighter.
"Therefore you have to attack him because the more you stand off, the nearer to the goal you take him and the less margin of error you have."
Van Gaal ended Demichelis' eight-year stint at Bayern, selling him to Malaga from where he followed coach Manuel Pellegrini to the Etihad Stadium, but the centre-back has nothing but respect for his former boss.
"I was irritated [when left out of the side] but I always recognised he was the best football-wise, for the concepts he has and how he imposes them on a team. He has shown that in this World Cup.
"I didn't leave because of him, but because of my own decision. I've seen him do bold things many times. For example, he'd get in front of the squad and say who was the best or worst at doing different things.
"He has a real determination in thinking about the team and potential consequences. I learned a lot from Van Gaal."
The Argentina icon says the Albiceleste have the 27-year-old to thank for reaching the last four of the tournament and will need him at his best to advance to the final
Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes his nation's World Cup fate rests entirely on the shoulders of Lionel Messi ahead of their semi-final against the Netherlands.
The Albiceleste have made it to the final four for the first time since 1990 and Maradona feels they have the Barcelona star to thank for their successful tournament so far.
Messi has scored four times in five appearances and faces yet more pressure to perform following an injury to Angel Di Maria, but Maradona is confident he will produce the goods.
"It's because of Messi that we have reached the last four for the first time since 1990 and one more will take us a step closer to our goal. But it won't be easy," Maradona told Times of India.
"A lot will obviously depend on Messi, who will remain the world's best player irrespective of the result.
"Is the pressure of carrying the hopes of a nation overpowering? International sport is all about that. When you lose a match of such magnitude, the country mourns. When you win, it erupts in joy. They dance, laugh, sing and cry. All for a mere win in a football match. South Americans are crazy about football and their footballers.
"No one knows it better than Messi. Because he doesn't play club football at home, watching him is a TV experience in Argentina.
"After failing to get past the quarter-finals in 2006 and 2010 with him in the side, his deeds this time have raised expectations."
Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986, when they beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.
The ex-Real Madrid attacker is eagerly anticipating the match between Argentina and Netherlands and feels the Barcelona star could struggle to make an impact
Former Spain international Raul believes that Lionel Messi faces a tough task to lead Argentina past Netherlands in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.
The Dutch impressed against Spain in the group stages, while they also saw off Australia, Chile, Mexico and Costa Rica and Raul thinks Louis van Gaal's men will pose a stern challenge for the Barcelona star when they meet in Sao Paulo.
"Messi's Barcelona team-mates were in for a rude shock against the Netherlands in their first match in the group. Four more trips down the road, the Dutch are looking sharper and hungrier," Raul told Times of India.
"They will face Messi now, who won't have Angel Di Maria by his side. It's going to be a Himalayan task for the world's best player, to take his team to the final on his own.
"Messi started the World Cup with four Man-of-the-Match awards. In the fifth too, the move for the goal by Higuain was started by him.
"But the Belgians were able to somewhat contain him. There is only one way to do that. You have men around him in the middle third, so that he cannot start those incisive runs.
"One inspiring performance can change a team, like a certain Diego Maradona did in 1986. Messi is capable of doing that."
Argentina last made it to the final of the World Cup in 1990, when they were eventually beaten by West Germany.
The former Bayern Munich man was not impressed by the hosts' naive approach and feels the entire team failed under the weight of expectation
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes Brazil got all their tactical decisions wrong in Tuesday's 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Joachim Low's men.
Goals from Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos (2) and Sami Khedira gave Germany a shock 5-0 lead at half-time, before Andre Schurrle added two more, leaving Oscar's late strike nothing more than a consolation.
Kahn feels Brazil collectively failed as the Europeans tore them apart and has criticised head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for his naive tactics.
"Brazil collectively imploded. It was complete failure from the entire team right from the start until the very end," Kahn told ZDF.
"The Brazilians did everything wrong from a tactical point of view. It was incredible to see how they just walked into Germany's trap. They completely fell apart after the opening goal.
"I don't know whether it was the pressure that got to Brazil and whether the burden was too much for them. But they clearly didn't know how to cope with everything.
"Brazil were very vulnerable emotionally and lacked experience."
Brazil will meet either Argentina or Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play-off in Brasilia.
Mourinho leaps to Luiz's defence after Brazil horror show
By Alex Young
Jul 9, 2014 14:14:00
The defender has faced stern criticism following the 7-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Germany, but the Chelsea manager feels it is wrong to single one player out
Jose Mourinho has leapt to the defence of former Chelsea player David Luiz following Brazil's humiliating World Cup semi-final loss to Germany.
The defender was the negative focus of much of the post-match analysis after being directly at fault for at least two goals in the 7-1 loss on Tuesday.
Mourinho admits Luiz, who recently completed a £40 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, made mistakes but feels it is unfair to single one player out with the team as a whole playing poorly.
"I don't think it's fair to separate a player from the team, because the team was really bad," Mourinho, Yahoo's Global Football Ambassador, said.
"David made mistakes? Yes he did. But, Dante made mistakes, Marcelo made mistakes, Fernandinho made mistakes. The team as a team made mistakes. So I don't think it's fair.
"I think everyone in my situation, everyone that is a player, everyone that is a coach, everyone that is not involved in the World Cup, but could be in that position. I think all of us are feeling really sorry for them."
Mourinho feels the record-breaking defeat will go down in history, much like that World Cup final loss to Uruguay in 1950, and sympathises with the squad.
He continued: "It is a historical moment. A moment that we will remember forever, the same way that we all know that once Brazil lost a World Cup final against Uruguay and the same way my son, who is 14 years old, knows that.
"In fifty years' time our kids will know that Brazil lost at home against Germany, one to seven. From my point of view, from the professional point of view, it's heart-breaking and I'm really sorry for them."
Jose Mourinho is an exclusive analyst for Yahoo’s worldwide football coverage, www.yahoo.co.uk/worldcup is the only place to read all his expert opinions during the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Ronaldo: Brazil now obliged to finish third after Germany debacle
By Mark Doyle
Jul 9, 2014 15:14:00
The iconic striker believes that the Selecao must atone for their embarrassing 7-1 loss to Joachim Low's men in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday
Ronaldo says Brazil have an obligation to their shell-shocked supporters to finish third at World Cup 2014 after their humiliating semi-final hammering at the hands of Germany.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had been charged with the responsibility of making amends for the failure to lift the trophy the last time the country had hosted the tournament, in 1950.
However, the Selecao's surprise 2-1 loss to Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro 64 years ago was nothing compared to the embarrassment they suffered in front of the watching world in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, with the five-time champions being routed 7-1 by Joachim Low's men.
Ronaldo was stunned by the error-strewn nature of Brazil's display and says that they now owe it to the people to defeat either Argentina or Netherlands in Brasilia on Saturday.
"The Selecao paid a very high price for their mistakes and now they have an obligation to claim third place," the former Barcelona and Real Madrid forward is quoted as saying by A Bola.
However, Ronaldo's fellow legendary forward, Pele, believes that the Selecao now need to look towards the next World Cup.
"I have always said that football is full of surprises," he wrote on his Twitter profile. "Nobody expected this result. So let's win the sixth [title] in Russia."
The country's natoinal team and all of its clubs will be prevented from competing in "regional, continental and international competition" until the ban is lifted
The Fifa Emergency Committee has suspended the Nigerian Football Association (NFF) with immediate effect due to alleged "government interference".
The move comes after the dissolution of the NFF executive committee by the country's government and the detention of NFF president Aminu Maigari by the Department of the Dstate Security Service.
"The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, July 9, 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference," a statement read.
"The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFF on July 4, 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date for such a hearing.
"The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on 5 July 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes.
"Originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFF to take place on August 26, 2014.
"The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs."
The Fifa Emergency Committe added that neither the Nigeria national team nor any of the country's clubs will be able to participate in any "regional, continental or international competitions" until the situation is risolved to its satisfation.
Consequently, the nation will be prevented from competing in the upcoming Fifa U-20 Women's World Cup unless the suspension is lifted by July 15.
Mike Tyson leaps to defence of Suarez in biting controversy
By Tony Mahoney
Jul 9, 2014 17:15:00
The former world heavyweight champion, who himself once infamously bit an opponent in the boxing ring, has defended the Uruguay striker for his actions at the World Cup
Mike Tyson has leapt to the defence of Luis Suarez following the Uruguay striker's bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
Suarez was handed a four-month worldwide ban by Fifa after biting the defender during Uruguay's Group D clash with Italy a fortnight ago.
But former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson, who himself once infamously chewed off part of the ear of Evander Holyfield during a title fight, has empathised with the Liverpool striker.
"Suarez's bite? I understand it. It was a blackout moment which can happen at times," Tyson replied during a Q&A on social networking service Reddit.
"It was just one moment in which the competition can make the blood in your veins boil and it overpowers your rationality.
"Sometimes you become something that you are not."
Tyson is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history, and still holds the record as the sport's youngest ever champion in his weight category at the age of 20 years and eight months.
Suarez, who also incurred a nine-game ban from international matches as a result of the third biting incident of his career, is believed to be closing in on a transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona, despite his suspension from footballing activity.
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina AET (Pens 2-4 ): Romero the hero as South Americans go through
Jul 9, 2014 23:44:00
After 120 goalless minutes, the Albiceleste won in a shootout to book their place in the final against Germany
Argentina reached the World Cup final as Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal failed to produce another penalty masterstroke.
Having introduced goalkeeper Tim Krul off the bench to replace number one Jasper Cillessen in the quarter-final shoot-out win against Costa Rica - with the Newcastle shot-stopper subsequently saving two spot-kicks to send his side through - Van Gaal had no such options this time around as Wednesday's semi-final finished 0-0 after extra time.
The Dutch had used all three substitutes by that point, leaving Cillessen to face Argentina's efforts when it mattered most.
And the youngster - who had never before kept out a penalty in his career - failed to reproduce his team-mate's heroics as opposite number Sergio Romero saved from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to book Argentina's place in the showpiece against Germany on Sunday.
Ultimately, Maxi Rodriguez sealed a 4-2 shoot-out success, crashing his penalty in off the crossbar via the palms of Cillessen to spark jubilant scenes among the South Americans in the stands in Sao Paulo.
In a contest that was a far cry from the stunning drama of Germany's humiliation of Brazil 24 hours earlier, penalties always seemed the most likely outcome and so it proved.
The last time these two teams met in the knockout stages of a finals - in 1998 - the game was lit up by the sublime quality of Dennis Bergkamp's winning goal, but such moments of outstanding individual brilliance were almost non-existent here.
Much of the build-up was dominated by talk of a battle for supremacy between the two sides' respective talismen, but both Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben were well shackled throughout.
With many neutrals having hoped for a Brazil-Argentina final, the capitulation of the hosts on Tuesday meant that was a distant dream, but the success of Alejandro Sabella's men at least ensures that there will be South American representation in the showpiece.
The Dutch, runners-up four years ago, will now face a wounded Brazil in the third-place play-off in Brasilia on Saturday.
In stark contrast to the first semi, where Germany had raced into a 5-0 lead within 29 minutes to stun the hosts, what unfolded a day on was far less enthralling.
Netherlands made one change from their quarter-final win over Costa Rica as Nigel de Jong - who it was thought had been ruled out of the tournament with a groin strain - made an unexpected recovery to return in place of Memphis Depay.
For Argentina, Marcos Rojo came back from a one-match suspension, and Enzo Perez earned a spot in the absence of the injured Angel di Maria.
Neither side carved out a clear goalscoring opportunity in a turgid first period, Sneijder firing an effort on goal in the 13th minute, but his volley from outside the box was comfortably wide of the left-hand post.
Messi threatened for the first time two minutes later, seeing his free-kick well held by Cillessen diving low to his right.
Argentina looked marginally the more dangerous of the two sides and midway through the first half Ezequiel Garay headed Ezequiel Lavezzi's left-wing corner over the crossbar under pressure from Vlaar.
There was a moment of concern for Argentina shortly afterwards, when a clearly dazed Javier Mascherano fell to the floor following a clash of heads with Georginio Wijnaldum.
After receiving treatment, Mascherano was able to walk off the field and soon returned to action.
The second period began in much the same fashion as the first, with neither side able to make any inroads in the final third of the field.
Gonzalo Higuain did have half an opening in the 58th minute, but substitute Daryl Janmaat's covering header denied the Napoli man the chance to get on the end of Lavezzi's delivery from the right.
Once again, Higuain was unable to capitalise on a rare sight of goal 15 minutes from time, stretching to divert Perez's clever low ball into the side netting from close range.
Rojo tried his luck from distance nine minutes later, but his well-hit drive was straight at an untroubled Cillessen.
Robben's big moment arrived in the first minute of stoppage time as he bore down on goal following a fortuitous ricochet on the edge of the area, but Mascherano recovered brilliantly to deny the Bayern Munich man with a last-ditch tackle.
The winger had the first effort of note in extra-time, bringing a routine save out of Romero with a dipping effort from 25 yards after a trademark darting run off the right flank.
There were two late chances for Sabella's men in the final five minutes of the extra period, but both Rodrigo Palacio and Rodriguez failed to gain sufficient power on their efforts to really test Cillessen.
But, with Krul watching on from the sidelines this time, there was little that the young Dutch goalkeeper could do to prevent a clinical Argentina booking their place in the final when the spot-kicks arrived, as first Vlaar and then Sneijder proved wayward before Rodriguez struck the decisive blow.
Scolari: I can't explain disastrous Brazil display
By Dom Farrell
Jul 9, 2014 22:48:00
The Selecao boss still has no answers to explain away his side's 7-1 record-breaking World Cup semi-final humiliation at the hands of Germany
Luiz Felipe Scolari is still at a loss to explain Brazil's capitulation against Germany, but has told a stunned nation that "life goes on".
The hosts' 7-1 World Cup semi-final mauling at the hands of Joachim Low's team sent shockwaves around the football world.
As the fallout continues, Scolari paid particular attention to the six-minute period in which Germany netted a scarcely believable four goals on Tuesday, making it 5-0 before half an hour was played in Belo Horizonte.
"We had a disaster in six minutes but it happened. Let's work for Saturday's game," Scolari told a press conference.
"If I could explain what happened in those six minutes I would answer but I don't know.
"The crash was also the coaching staff's, the fans', it was everyone's. No one understood what was going on and the Germany team, which is good, took their opportunities.
"I cannot explain it, I will not justify it. An error occurred and this error was fatal.
"We can lose by one or two but we lost in a way that we had never done before in the history of Brazilian football.
"But the tournament was not all bad. We had one bad defeat."
Irrespective of whether he is around to pick up the pieces, Scolari believes Brazil's players can enjoy success at international level once more.
"I know what happened, I know what it is to feel shame, I have the feeling this will never leave me, but my life goes on," he added.
"The players will get on with their lives, they are still winners.
"Our life is not made from defeats, this was the worst of all, but life is good, nobody will die because of this."
