Three weeks ago the Netherlands were a forgotten squad as the World Cup kicked off. Fast forward to today and the Dutch are one match away from their second consecutive World Cup Final.
The Dutch have looked strong throughout the tournament, but with all eyes now on the goalkeeping situation, the Netherlands could be ready to combust from within.
Some saw Louis van Gaal’s substitution of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen prior to the penalty shootout against Costa Rica as a masterstroke. Yet, others have seen it as the first wrong step the Dutch have made; not to mention it being a ‘disrespectful move’. Regardless of their goalkeeping situation, the Netherlands are in the semi-final with no other on-field problems.
The Oranje will have everyone fit for their encounter with Argentina, which is something the South Americans will not be able to say. The Dutch, who have conceded only four goals in the tournament so far, will have the pleasure of missing out on facing Argentine winger Angel Di Maria. Unfortunately, the team will have to worry about the returning Sergio Aguero, who was passed fit for the match. His role has not been made clear as yet and the Manchester City man may play a minor role. 
The Netherlands’ main task will be quieting Lionel Messi who has scored four times and notched an assist in Argentina’s five matches. Messi has carried the team and the Netherlands’ offensive arsenal may be capable of nullifying his involvement by attacking Argentina’s weak backline. The Dutch may receive a boost going into Wednesday night’s match to help in their nullification of Messi. According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, defensive midfielder Nigel De Jong could be fit in time for the game. De Jong had been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury against Mexico in the round of 16. If De Jong is near fully fit, he could be invaluable in helping the Oranje stop Messi.
Stopping Messi will be paramount for Dutch coach Louis van Gaal as the Barcelona man has been at the heart of everything the Argentinians have done. Van Gaal has received praise from all corners for the job he has done with the Dutch. Van Gaal has wiped the memory of the boring defensive Dutch side that Bert Van Marwijk took to the final in 2010 with a brand of swashbuckling, counter-attacking football. His ability to man manage the situation that was created with his goalkeeping substitution will be pivotal in settling the defence. 
Despite the criticism for that move against Costa Rica, van Gaal has been praised for his tactical acumen throughout the World Cup. His substitutes have made the difference when needed and his trust in an attacking line-up featuring Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder has paid off.
Whether van Gaal’s meticulous planning or the outstanding play of the Netherlands gets the credit for their World Cup performance, it can’t be denied the Oranje weren’t expected to get this far. Van Gaal’s squad have played as a team, something Argentina have not always done, and that characteristic may just see them through to the final.
