The Netherlands will face-off against Argentina on Wednesday night in a massive World Cup 2014 semifinal match up that will decide who will go on to face Germany in this year's World Cup Final on Sunday. This match is being billed as Lionel Messi vs Arjen Robben, but both sides have a host of other extremely talented players, and this should be a fantastic game between two footballing giants.
Today's big game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the ESPN network, or online through free live stream (details below).
In big team news ahead of today's game, Netherlands star striker, Robin van Persie could miss out in this semifinal as he has been struggling with a stomach complaint. If he does miss out that would be a massive blow to the Dutch as he has been arguably their most potent threat up front throughout this World Cup so far.
Holland manager Louis van Gaal has said the Manchester United striker would only play if he was completely fit. He is likely to undergo final examinations before the game to decide whether he makes it or not.
Van Gaal has said, "Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn't want to take a risk. He is a very important player for us. In principle, my captains always play, but only if they're 100%."
Meanwhile, midfielder Nigel de Jong could be back after recovering from a groin injury. That injury was expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the World Cup, but he has made a strong recovery and could be named as fit for the game.
For Argentina, midfielder Angel Di Maria will miss the game due to a thigh injury. If his team makes the final he is likely to return in time for that.
Up front, striker Sergio Aguero is available after recovering from a thigh problem, and defender Marcos Rojo will also make his return after a suspension.
Holland will be hoping to make their second straight World Cup Final by winning today. However, they will face an Argentina team that many believe are destined to win the competition, being held in South America this year.
Argentina have not made the semifinals of the World Cup since 1990, however, Lionel Messi has been in amazing form and has dragged his team through the rounds and now they stand just one win away from a final against Germany.
The footballing world will be watching today's game with eager eyes, after witnessing history being made in the first semifinal on Tuesday night. Germany crushed hosts Brazil 7-1 in what was Brazil's biggest World Cup defeat ever.
The manner in which the Brazilians were cast aside will give the players nightmares for a long time, and they will be a country waking up on Wednesday knowing that they need to revamp things in their country if they are to make their football team great again.
Germany meanwhile, sent shockwaves around the footballing world with their display, and just like numerous German sides before them, they seem to have peaked in form as the competition moves towards its climax. They will now be favorites to lift the trophy in Sunday's final regardless of whether Holland or Argentina make it through.
Today's second semifinal between the Netherlands and Argentina will kick off at 4 p.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream by
clicking here.
