1) Lack of faith in attacking abilities
Whenever the Netherlands had the ball, they seemed satisfied to pass it back to Jasper Cillessen. It seems they did not trust their own abilities. While Argentina contained the Dutch very well, the Netherlands often slowed down play after receiving the ball.
While this might have been down to their tiredness following extra time against Costa Rica, they could definitely not be forgiven for almost a complete lack of adventure. There were many occasions when the Dutch could have moved forward in numbers but decided to be on the safe side instead.
2) The use of Robin Van Persie
Louis Van Gaal has made many a brave decision this tournament; whilst he might be forgiven for not dropping Robin Van Persie, the Dutchman's poor form contributed to Netherlands' exit. He came into this match not fully fit. Van Persie's hold up play was poor, not allowing the Dutch a platform to build on.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar was waiting on the bench. Playing him from the start would have been wiser. It would have also allowed Van Gaal to use one more substitution in extra time. Tim Krul would have been able to come on for Cillessen and stand between the posts for the penalty shootout.
3) Ron Vlaar's selection as the first penalty taker
Vlaar had an excellent game. However, the first taker sets the tone for the shootout. Thus, Messi took Argentina's first penalty. Arjen Robben or Huntelaar would have been a much better option as a first taker. The selection was simply strange. Vlaar does not have a reputation as a good penalty taker either. Had the first one gone in, the course of the shootout could have changed.
4) Arjen Robben's role
Louis Van Gaal had given Robben the role of a wanderer; he drifted to wherever he wanted and he was not required to defend. Today, as a result, the Dutch had to defend without a man and Robben was often isolated. Only when he went deeper in the second half did he touch the ball more often. Robben's role on the day did not seem to fit the overall picture. At least, against Argentina, he should have part of the collective.
5) Waste of deadball situations
The Netherlands have plenty of tall players in the team; Van Persie and Stefan de Vrij can score headed goals too. The Dutch were extremely wasteful with their free kicks and corners. Wesley Sneijder almost always over hit the ball. When he managed to get the delivery right, the players inside the box could not get to the ball. Argentina did defend well; but the Dutch had enough deadball situations to make at least one count.
