With a rampant Germany awaiting in the final, Argentina and the Netherlands face selection dilemmas going into their World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
The match, starting in Sao Paulo at 0130 am IST, will be a clash of the brilliance of Lional Messi and Arjen Robben. After Germany's 7-1 evisceration of Brazil, it will also be a new pressure cooker showdown between Europe and South America.
But Holland's captain and lead striker Robin van Persie is a doubt due to a stomach problem, while Argentina must do without influential midfielder Angel di Maria due to a thigh strain. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal said it was touch-and-go whether Manchester United's van Persie would be able to line up at the Corinthians Arena. (Argentina Vs Netherlands: Google Doodle Inspired by FIFA World Cup 2014 Goalline Technology)
"Tomorrow (Wednesday), I'll have to take all these decisions, not today," said the 62-year-old, whose side required penalties to overcome Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. "We have more than 24 hours before the match and Robin van Persie is a very important player for us ... In principle, my captains always play, but only if they're 100 percent," he added.
Van Gaal also has doubts over senior centre-back Ron Vlaar, who has a knee injury. But midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong made a surprise return to training on Tuesday, a week after being ruled out of the tournament with a groin problem. (Read: Argentina's Mascherano Warns Against Dutch Threat)
Holland's injury concerns mean that the submission of van Gaal's team-sheet will be awaited with even greater anticipation than usual. He has flitted between a back three and a back four in the tournament, while his in-game tactical adjustments -- such as during the 2-1 win over Mexico in the last 16 -- earned him glowing praise from Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella.
'It's something totally crazy'
German star Thomas Muller admitted he was in shock Tuesday after his team romped to an incredible 7-1 thrashing of Brazil to reach the World Cup final.
"This was not to be expected," the Bayern Munich star exclaimed after his team trounced the World Cup hosts. "I don't know what to say to be honest. I can't believe it. It's something totally crazy. It just went well today," he added.
Muller quickly urged his team to put the result behind them as they focus on Sunday's final at the Maracana.
"Now we have to pull through one more time, we have to fight to get this thing." (Read: Klose breaks World Cup scoring record)
Germany will be chasing their fourth World Cup crown on Sunday where they will face either Argentina or the Netherlands.