Fifa World Cup 2014, Netherlands v Argentina: Where to Watch Live, Prediction, Preview and Betting Odds

Follow live coverage of Netherlands v Argentina here

Netherlands take on Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2014 Fifa World Cup at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

Where to Watch Live

The kick-off is set for 9pm BST. Live coverage is on ITV and ITV HD. Live Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Overview

Argentina managed an unconvincing 1-0 victory over the Belgians in the quarter-finals, but did manage to show more attacking prowess than in their previous games. It did not look like a one-man team with Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi stepping up their performances. Even their much maligned striker Gonzalo Higuain showed up with a stunning strike early in the match, which turned out to be the winner.

Alejandro Sabella did pay a small price for that victory and will be without Di Maria for the semi-final clash against the Dutch. However, as the saying goes 'where one door closes, another opens', the coach will have the services of star striker Sergio Aguero once again after he recovered from his injury.

This semi-final clash falls on the same day as Argentina's Independence Day and this will surely see the players wanting to give that extra bit to make it to the final.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands come into this game after a battle against giant-killers Costa Rica, who took the Dutch all the way to the penalties. The Dutch tried everything possible against the Costa Ricans, but the underdogs held firm, albeit with some degree of luck. However, the Oranje boys are looking hungry and potent in front of goal.

Louis van Gaal, who is still being lauded for the master-stroke of the goalkeeper substitution, will stick to his number one Jasper Cillessen in goal for the semi-finals. The only doubt in the Netherlands team is the participation of Nigel De Jong, but otherwise the Dutch coach has a fully fit squad to choose from.

The Netherlands have a better record against their South American rivals when it comes to World Cup meetings (P4, W2, D1, L1).

What Managers Say

Louis van Gaal (Netherlands): "I only saw one half of the Argentina match. The beginning was in favour of Argentina and after that, it was Belgium who dominated. I thought Belgium was the better team in the first half. Argentina have strong individual qualities. If the gentleman next to you says Argentina always attacks, well that was not the case against Belgium. Not in the first half."

Alejandro Sabella (Argentina): "After 24 years, this is a good tribute to this squad - they will go down in history as one of the best four teams in the world and we will see if they can go one step more. [On Messi] I felt he played a wonderful match. It's not only scoring goals, it's having possession, taking out three opponents and every move he makes is a sign of hope for us and endangers our opponents."

Prediction

Netherlands 2-1 Argentina

Betting Odds (Bwin)

Argentina: 16/11

Netherlands: 2/1

Draw: 9/4

Team Form

Argentina

• Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W W
• Last Result: Argentina 1 – 0 Belgium

Netherlands

• Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W W
• Last Result: Netherlands 0 – 0 Costa Rica (4-3 on Penalties)

Team News

Argentina

• Injured:
• Doubtful: Angel Di Maria
• Suspended:

Probable Lineup: Romero; Zabaleta, Dimichelis, Garay, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Perez; Messi; Lavezzi, Higuaín

Netherlands

• Injured: N/A
• Doubtful: Nigel De Jong
• Suspended: N/A

Probable Lineup: Cillessen; Blind, Indi , de Vrij, Vlaar, Janmaat; Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Guzman; Robben, Van Persie