Argentina
- 01 Romero – 8/10
Looked like a man possessed before the shoot-out, and made two saves from Vlaar and Sneijder to send his team to the final.
- 04 Zabaleta – 7/10
Brave, and typically combative display up and down the right flank.
- 16 Rojo – 6/10
Had the unenviable task of dealing with Robben, which meant his regular attacking forages were limited to the occasional pop shot or meal cross.
- 14 Mascherano – 9/10
Brilliant. Mashcerano is totally wasted at Barcelona, where his wonderful battling midfield qualities are not appreciated. He made a ludicrous last-ditch tackle on Robben in the final minute of normal time, and managed to regain consciousness after being knocked out from a clash of heads.
- 15 Demichelis – 7/10
A totally different player to the dodgy defender seen at times in the Premier League. Genuinely composed in possession.
- 02 Garay – 6/10
Dealt with van Persie well, and smashed home his penalty too.
- 08 Pérez (Palacio – 81′ ) 6/10
Kept possession relatively well, but didn’t manage to create anything from deep.
- 06 Biglia – 6/10
Barely noticeable, but he did provide a solid platform in the middle.
- 09 Higuaín (Agüero – 82′ ) – 7/10
Started really well, making clever scooped passes and runs in behind – although he was visibly shattered by the time he was withdrawn.
- 10 Messi – 5/10
Didn’t manage to light up the match, and actually went very quiet late on. The world is waiting for him to light up the final, however. Still bagged his pen.
- 22 Lavezzi (Rodríguez – 101′ ) – 8/10
Argentina’s best attacking player, Lavezzi’s work-rate puts Messi’s to shame, although his end product wasn’t quite enough to give his side the lead.
Subs:
Palacio – 5/10 – Missed a glorious chance to win the game with his head.
Aguero – 5/10 – Clearly not fit.
Rodriguez – 6/10 – Scored the winning penalty.
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