Argentina are in the World Cup final, beating the Netherlands on penalties after a less than thrilling 0-0 draw. A match that was slightly suffocated by the unadventurous tactics of both managers, Argentina once again adapted their style for their opponents and once again Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has been vindicated.

Against the slightly weaker opposition that they faced in the group stages Argentina dominated possession, however that game plan changed in the knockout rounds. Against both Belgium and the Netherlands, Argentina was happy to let the opposition see more of the ball and rely on the counter attack. Sabella was at one point seen shouting to his forwards, telling them to stop pressing the Dutch defence.

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has clearly favoured a counter attacking game throughout the tournament, maximising the blistering pace of Arjen Robben. Against Argentina they were required to dictate the play and without AS Roma talent Kevin Strootman, among other losses in midfield, they were not able to invent many dangerous chances for Robben or Robin van Persie.

Argentina’s tactics were partially enabled by Napoli’s sought after striker Gonzalo Higuaín showing better form for his country; he was able to hold up the ball effectively while he remained on the pitch. The indisputable man of the match for Argentina, however, was Javier Mascherano who was the glue in the midfield, the vocal leader on the pitch and made some crucial tackles on the Dutch forwards, notably on Robben on a match-winning opportunity in the last minute.

Higuaín started the game well and delivered a great pass to Enzo Perez early in the game but struggled to make a deep impression on the first half. When the ball came to him though, it stuck and he was able to bring his teammates into play, despite being slightly starved of service. He held the ball up very well in the second half and found himself in two great goal scoring positions, but was unable to conclude either of the moves. Replaced by Sergio Agüero in the 82nd minute.

AC Milan’s Nigel de Jong had been officially ruled out of the tournament by the Dutch FA after limping off in the second round against Mexico with a groin strain. He recovered to start and he was effective in stepping up from his anchor man role to squash attacks and also provided a direct link between defence and attack. Despite van Gaal’s pre-game protestations, he did have a plan for Lionel Messi and it was to zonally mark him. When Messi was forward, de Jong never strayed further than 5 meters from him and he was only dribbled once by Messi in the first half but recovered well. The marking job was shared by the full backs when Messi strayed wide and even Wesley Sneijder marked Messi when he came deep for the ball. Nigel de Jong came off in the 62nd minute for Jordy Clasie, probably not fully fit after his injury.

Lazio defensive midfielder Lucas Biglia made his second start of the tournament, after Belgium, which seems to be part of Sabella’s plan to not dominate possession, as Gago would be more effective. Biglia has proven very effective at shielding his defence alongside Mascherano, however, and immediately returning any recuperated balls to his teammates, keeping the ball well enough without completing any penetrating passes. He made one excellent intervention on Robben in the second half, but aggravated his wrist injury in the 63rd minute. He had a stabilising effect in the defensive phases for Argentina, tactically perfect and tracking the runners, he was a key reason that the Dutch attack was blunted.

Internazionale forward Rodrigo Palacio came on in the 82nd minute and he worked hard and well on the wide right of attack, providing an option in front of Messi. Palacio delivered a very dangerous cross just before half-time of extra time, just missing its target. Will be relieved that his team won the shoot-out after he missed an absolutely golden chance to win the game when through on goal in the 115th minute from a chipped ball by Maxi Rodriguez. He had an age to decide what to do, but could only tamely head the ball into the Dutch goalkeepers’ gloves.

Argentina will now play their first World Cup final since the one they lost in Rome in 1990 and they have a chance for revenge as they will face the same opponents: Germany. As I wrote after the Belgium game, this again was not a performance that would necessarily make Germany fear them, however Argentina have again done enough to qualify and have again adapted to their opponents. They will surely put up an infinitely better fight than Brazil did; it should be noted that Argentina have the strongest defence in this tournament and they of course still have the best player in the world, who will likely find more space in the final than he did against the Netherlands. The narrative is ready, Argentina wants revenge for 1990 and Lionel Messi wants to win a World Cup to end the negative comparisons with Maradona and gain a favourable one. Now only Germany can stop them.