Both teams are unbeaten in the competition so far having enjoyed perfect runs in the group stages picking up maximum points. However both the sides have not had the easiest of journeys having endured stiff battles in the Round of 16 and Quarter-Final stages. These two World Cup contenders have a number of individual talents who have heavily contributed to the success their respective sides have achieved so far and will be hoping to make the difference when the two sides meet on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi vs Arjen Robben
Both men have been the cornerstone of everything good which has happened for their respective teams. Lionel Messi has finally replicated his club form for country and his exceptional performances have time and time again rescued La Albiceleste.
He has on two occasions managed to score the decisive goal, once against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Argentina’s opening fixture and the second which was a sublime last ditch free kick against Iran which gave his side a 1-0 victory. He has shown his worth in the competition on numerous occasions and it was his blistering run in the match against Switzerland which proved to be crucial as he hustled his way through the Swiss defence before making the pass to Di Maria who buried the ball into the net.
Arjen Robben on the other hand has scored three goals so far, one less than his Argentinean counterpart but has been just as influential as Messi. The Bayern Munich man has turned a rather ordinary Dutch team into potential World Cup winners and his pace and trickery have been a source of concern for every opposition he has faced so far.
Messi and Robben have both been the standout players of the World Cup and their contributions on Wednesday night will definitely decide which team books their place in the final of the world cup.
Higuain vs Martins Indi
After four disappointing games the Napoli striker finally opened his account in this year’s edition of the World Cup with a fine strike in the match against Belgium. El Pipita looked lively in the entire match and made a number of chances for his side which also included a mesmerizing run from around the halfway line but unfortunately for him, the finish was not top draw. He also hit the post, provoking coach Alejandro Sabella to sensational trip on the touchline. 
Higuain will be against one of the finest defenders of the campaign, Martins Indi. The Dutch defence was criticized as being incompetent prior to the commencement of the tournament but Mardins Indi and co have successfully managed to prove their doubters wrong. The Oranje defence will once again have to be at their best as they go against the finest attackers in the world with Messi and Higuain in top form and Sergio Aguero still out for now.
Mascherano vs Sneijder
The two men play in contradicting roles, whereas Sneijder is an accomplished playmaker his Argentinean counterpart is an efficient play breaker. Mascherano is responsible for shielding the back four and fields himself just in front of the defence. Apart from his excellent tackles the Barcelona man has coupled his performances with accurate passes having successfully completed more than 85 per cent of them.
On Wednesday, he will have to ensure that Wesley Sneijder is not given much room to operate. The Galatasaray man is positioned behind the deadly Dutch duo of Arjen Robben and Van Persie and is largely responsible for dictating the play while the two attackers terrorize defences. Apart from his inch perfect passes the former Real Madrid man also has a good shot on him and can prove to be a real menace for the opposition if given much freedom.
Van Persie vs Garay
His super header against Spain sent shockwaves all across the globe but the Man United man has not been at his supreme best since then. The former Arsenal captain was guilty of failing to convert a few simple chances as his team played Costa Rica in the quarter-finals but he did manage to dispatch his penalty with aplomb during the dramatic shoot-outs.
However the 30-year-old carries a reputation of being one of the deadliest players in front of goal and on his day, Robin Van Persie can be very difficult to contain. Garay and co on the other hand are yet to be tested to their limits. Sabella’s men were paired with the likes of Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia in the first round in what was a relatively easy group. In the latter stages Argentina faced Switzerland and Belgium who failed to make an impression either.
The Argentinean defence and Garay in particular should be wary of what awaits them on Wednesday. Holland’s swift counter attacking tactics have dismantled the most disciplined defences and it would be interesting to see how Argentina manage to deal with them.
Alejandro Sabella vs Louis van Gaal
Sabella will have a very hard time trying to outsmart Louis van Gaal, a manager who through his tactical astuteness has carried his team to the semi-final. Van Gaal has emerged as a brave manager who is not afraid of making major changes in order to get results. The 62-year-old who is set to take charge of Man United from next season has been seen tweaking from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3 formation from time to time which has yielded positive results for his side.
His decision to bring on Tim Krul for the penalty shootout against Costa Rica resulted in being an excellent decision as the Newcastle man saved two penalties to ensure a qualification to the last four for the Dutch.
Alejandro Sabella, on the other hand, has been often criticized for failing to get the best out of a plethora of attacking talent he has to his expense. Argentina have one of the competition’s most potent attacking forces but have so far managed to score just eight goals in five matches. For the South American team to succeed in their semi final clash, it is important that Sabella outsmarts his Dutch counterpart, something which does appear to be a mammoth task.
Watch the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final Argentina vs Netherlands
Don’t miss the highly anticipated match featuring South America's last hopefuls Argentina against Louis van Gaal's mighty Netherlands. Guided by captain Lionel Messi, the Argentines will do everything they possibly can to ensure they make the final which will be played at the Maracanã. The match kicks-off at 4pm EST / 1pm PST / 8pm GMT.
Check our complete and comprehensive global broadcast listings across all platforms (Internet, TV and Radio) Check Argentina vs Netherlands LIVE broadcast listings.
