There was no ambition or initiative from either side, with caution being the watchword.
The only objective was to maintain the defensive structure rather than risk it by committing too many players forward.
Louis van Gaal’s ploy to beat Argentina was to score first and stop Lionel Messi next. The second part of the plan worked, with Nigel de Jong tracking Messi diligently even when the latter switched wings or drifted into the centre.
The Magician was often forced into a heavy touch or a hurried pass by the swarm of defensive midfielders.
Whenever Messi managed to dodge the midfielders, the outstanding Ron Vlaar made sure that the playmaker did not enter the box (the Argentine did not touch the ball in the Dutch penalty area during the 120 minutes).
Meanwhile, Arjen Robben received a similar treatment on the other side of the pitch (the Bayern Munich winger attempted just one pass in the first half).
Javier Mascherano, supported well by Lucas Biglia and Enzo Perez, played a vital role in limiting Wesley Sneijder’s influence. He played as an auxiliary central defender, making the first crucial pass to set the machine in motion.
When Robben did break clear and threaten with one of his characteristic bursts into the area, the Barcelona defender slid fantastically well and came up with one of the best tackles of the tournament.
