Netherlands vs. Argentina Live Stream Free [ESPN]: Watch World Cup 2014 Semi Final Online

By Josh Wilson

Netherlands and Argentina will play head-to-head for the second World Cup 2014 Semi Final match on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. After Brazil has fallen to Germany's 7-1win, Argentina is the only hope for the South American nations to capture the World Cup title, while Netherland is also vying for their nation's first historic championship. For either team to reach the Final, they will need to first cross path in the second match of World Cup 2014 Semi Final.

Brazil vs. Netherlands Preview and Live Stream: Luiz Felipe Scolari Leads Team to Play for Redemption and Pride 

The World Cup semi-final game two will begin at 1 p.m. PST, and will be televised live through ESPN network. The Netherlands vs. Argentina match can be watched online through live stream (free for cable subscribers).

Netherlands
Netherlands

Captain Robin van Persie, who was responsible for three goals in Brazil, was reported to be struggling with an upset stomach that may rule him out of the semi-final. While midfielder De Jong may make a miracle return from a groin injury in the group stage win over Mexico, the Dutch coach Louis van Gaal noted that van Persie's absence can't be compensated even by De Jong's return.

Going into the semi-final, Netherlands just routed Costa Rica with a 4-3 win in penalties. Going into Costa Rica match, van Gaal had exuded a sense of confidence in his team's ability to get through the last-eight clash, which they did. Without getting fazed by the public's speculations, the Manchester United coach reaffirmed the team's objective and goal to become world champions and that they are a team which is "very difficult to beat," according to FIFA.com.

While Netherlands' Captain may or may not be ruled out, the team will still have Arjen Robben and the rest of the team to put up the defensive walls and offensive strikes.

Four years ago, Netherlands fell at the final to Spain in World Cup South Africa, but this time around they have tested their determination as shown by their winning plays against defending World Cup champion Spain with 5-1, Australia 3-2, Chile 2-1, Mexico 2-1, and the most recent Costa Rica 0-0 (4-3 in penalties).

Argentina is coming into the semi-final after having defeated the 'Red Devil' Belgium, but it is not without a cost - striker Angel di Maria is ruled out of the semifinal match against Netherlands with a thigh injury. Besides Lionel Messi, he's been the team's most influential player in the World Cup. Di Maria scored the extra time goal that defeated Switzerland and set up Gonzalo Higuain's winning shot in the first eight minute against Belgium. Argentina's offense is expected to suffer without Di Maria.

Prior to the match against Belgium, former Argentina's World Cup legend Diego Maradona criticized the team's dependence on La Pulga or Messi, warning that if Argentina's offensive lines do not step up to fill their billing and alleviate Messi's burden, they face a grave "catastrophe."

While Belgium's coach Marc Wilmots had tried to capitalize on the opponent's imbalance and pointer in forming strategies, Argentina's offensive lines overturned this trend on Saturday and remained a powerhouse as they advance to the semifinal.

Prior to playing Argentina, Wilmots said that he was more concerned about Argentina's collective strength than the individual gifts of Lionel Messi.

"Argentina have their values and traditions, and their players never gave up," he said. "What they achieved in 1986 was mostly down to Maradona, but with Angel di Maria, Gonzalo Hijuain, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi around, they've now got five players who can call make the difference."

Argentina's Lionel Messi
Argentina's Lionel Messi

Messi, who has scored four of Argentina's eight goals, could end the tournament as top scorer, but he said he'd prefer to win the World Cup than the golden boot.

"I am only concentrating on the team. If we concentrate on our own game and we prepare ourselves tactically then our football will do the talking. If I keep scoring goals and that helps the team then that is the most important thing," he said, according to FIFA.com.

Angel Di Maria may be out, but full-back Marcos Rojo returns from suspension, which will give Argentina a solid defensive boost.  

If Argentina win Wednesday's match, it will have a final chance to win the third World Cup title. The winner of Netherlands vs. Argentina will play against Germany on Sunday's World Cup 2014 Final.

The Semi Final match will be televised on ESPN, and online free live stream can watch by clicking here.

ESPN is also allowing mobile users to watch the Netherlands vs. Argentina live stream here.

Univision will televise the match in Spanish on Univision Deportes, and ESPN Deportes will televise the game in Portugese.

And Univision will also provide the Netherlands vs. Argentina live stream here.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo