Netherlands v Argentina - 2014 World Cup semi-final

Well, the second World Cup semi-final manifestly lacked the drama of the first, although I would contend that it constituted a more meaningful and genuine contest than Tuesday evening's surreal exhibition.

Although the opening minutes of the match saw a period of fluent and confident Dutch passing and possession, I thought that by and large Argentina had more penetration and energy for the bulk of the semi-final. They seemed much more capable of getting in behind the Dutch defence than Louis Van Gaal's men did with their backline. The tactic of targeting the Dutch left flank was particularly profitable, although ultimately it did not bear fruit in the form of a goal.

After the interval, it seemed that the Netherlands coach had remedied the problem by taking off Bruno Martins Indi. However, the overall pattern and tempo of play barely altered until the penalty shoot-out. Both teams were quite pedestrian, with only the very occasional moment of inspiration and/or incisiveness to relieve the general monotony and inertia.

I found the tense and tactical nature of the match quite interesting and absorbing, although I can appreciate how the billions of neutrals around the globe would have found it less than enthralling!  The Netherlands team defended capably, but their colleagues further forward seemed bereft of real ideas and panache. Were the rigours of the quarter-final against Costa Rica still afflicting Dutch limbs?  That said, the late chance spurned by Arjen Robben will haunt them.  He seemed to half-stumble, half-hesitate, and general weariness may have played its part.

Since the commencement of the 2014 World Cup, the "experts" have been bemoaning the apparent demise of the defensive arts in football. Well, last night they finally got some proper defending, from both teams, although the exponents were not over-taxed by the creative players on either side. Robin van Persie seemed listless and only half-interested, and it was little surprise when he was substituted, so ineffectual was he.

The Dutch again had a good spell in extra-time, but rarely did they look like achieving a breakthrough. Dirk Kuyt as ever was willing, honest and conscientious, and was one of the best players on the night. The Dutch again faded, and it was Argentina who had a couple of late chances to avert a penalty shoot-out, through Palacio and Maxi Rodriguez.

Argentina were emphatic and confident in the penalty competition, and we may eventually find out more about what went wrong with the Dutch in this regard.

On balance, I am glad that Argentina got through, both because of "the Messi factor", and because they were the better team overall during the match itself. Germany, though, must start favourites for Sunday's final. They are stronger on paper, and will be fresher. 

Brilliant Orange - David Winner

Continuing my incessant posts about recent football-related reading, here are a few observations on another acclaimed work, Brilliant Orange, David Winner's exploration of Dutch football.  It is appropriately sub-titled "The neurotic genius of Dutch football".

Not your average football-themed tome, this one, drawing as it does parallels and connections between the Dutch approach to football and characteristics of the Dutch people and nation, even extending these analogies to its geography and topography. People may view some of Winner's arguments and theories as outlandish, or even pretentious, but they are so well presented and reasoned that they demand recognition and serious consideration.

The author observes how changes in post-war society, including some peculiar to Holland, affected the path which the game followed there. Much attention of course is focussed on the imperious Ajax team of the early 1970s, and the enigmatic and iconic Dutch national team from the same decade. The 1974 World Cup Final is analysed, both for how its outcome was determined by Dutch idiosyncrasies, and how that outcome in turn impacted on of generations of Dutchmen and women.

Another virtue of this book is its relative brevity. It says what it wants and needs to say without being excessively earnest or self-conscious. It is certainly not as laborious a read as some other books of its type. It employs diverse topics to get its point across. One is left in some awe of how the tale has unfolded,and with a much enhanced understanding of why it unfolded as it did....