Van Persie a doubt for semi-final

TEAM NEWS

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie may miss the World Cup semi-final after struggling with a stomach complaint.

But midfielder Nigel de Jong could feature after recovering from a groin injury, which was expected to rule him out for the rest of the tournament.

Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria is out because of a thigh injury but may return in his country's final match.

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Netherlands v Argentina: Louis van Gaal - score first, stop Lionel Messi

Striker Sergio Aguero is available after a thigh problem and left-back Marcos Rojo will return after a ban.

Dutch injury doubts Ron Vlaar and Leroy Fer took part in full training on Tuesday, but Van Persie trained away from his team-mates.

However, manager Louis van Gaal said the Manchester United striker would only play if he was completely fit.

"Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn't want to take a risk," said Van Gaal. "He is a very important player for us.

"In principle, my captains always play, but only if they're 100%."

AC Milan's De Jong has not played since tearing a groin muscle during his side's 2-1 victory over Mexico in the last 16 on 29 June.

He was expected to be out for up to four weeks, but has returned to training.

"If his reaction is good and he can play, then the miracle can come true," added Van Gaal.

MATCH PREVIEW

There is a growing feeling that this could be Argentina's World Cup. Despite not reaching the peak of their powers, they are in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, and in Lionel Messi they have a player on a personal mission to rubber stamp his place in the pantheon of greats.

Watch super sub Tim Krul save the day for Netherlands

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots dismissed them as "ordinary" after their quarter-final match, and while there is no doubt this side is not as good as their 1986 counterparts, no team with Messi in it can ever be ordinary.

His first-half performance against the Belgians was sublime and although he didn't get a goal or the man-of-the-match award, his overall contribution and unwavering commitment to the team was such that it showed how much winning this tournament means to him.

"He was our water in the desert," said Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella. "When the terrain was dry, he, once again, gave us a chance to breathe fresh air."

The Argentine media calculated that it has been 8,771 days since they last played in a World Cup semi-final. This match falls on 9 July, which just so happens to be Independence Day in Argentina, and excitement back home will be at fever pitch.

Further inspiration to win has been provided by the sad passing of legendary Argentina-born forward Alfredo Di Stefano this week.

Their previous World Cup encounters with the Netherlands have provided some epic moments in the tournament's history that will hopefully be repeated in Sao Paulo.

Gonzalo Higuain puts Argentina into lead

Their first meeting in 1974 saw the Dutch win 4-0 with an astonishing display of 'total football', before Argentina got revenge in thrilling style in the final on home soil four years later. Dennis Bergkamp provided another magic moment with his memorable control and finish for the Oranje in 1998, before their last meeting lacked a similar spark - a dull 0-0 draw in 2006.

Van Gaal seems to be putting on a personal showcase of his tactical genius at this World Cup that must have Manchester United fans rubbing their hands with glee.

His game-changing decisions have been the difference as they have struggled to match their stunning start to the tournament with that incredible win over Spain.

Few would have predicted they would be one game away from reaching a second successive final, but Van Gaal's unorthodox and inspired decision to bring on goalkeeper Tim Krul for the penalty shootout with Costa Rica increased his reputation as football's master tactician. "He is proving it in this tournament and he has shown what tactical qualities he has," said an admiring and grateful Krul.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 1978 final is the only time they have beaten the Dutch in eight meetings in all competitions (D3, L4).
• They haven't met for eight years since a 0-0 draw at the 2006 World Cup.
• Lionel Messi (29), Arjen Robben and Angel Di María (both 25) are the players with most completed dribbles in this tournament.

Argentina

• This is Argentina's first World Cup semi-final since 1990, when they went on to lose to Germany in the final.
• They have never lost a World Cup semi-final, winning the previous four.
• Each of Argentina's five wins at this tournament have come by a single goal margin.
• They are yet to be behind once in their five matches so far.
• Not including penalty shootouts, they have lost just one of their last 16 World Cup matches (W12, D3).
• Lionel Messi has created 19 goalscoring chances in this World Cup, the most of any player.
• Argentina have scored with 11% of their shots from outside the box, the best success rate of any side at this World Cup.
• This is the first time Argentina and Brazil have made the semi-final stage at the same tournament.
• Gonzalo Higuain ended a goal drought of 528 minutes without a goal for Argentina when he scored the winner against Belgium. He now has as many World Cup goals as Lionel Messi, despite having played four games less.

Netherlands

• This is the Netherlands' third semi-final appearance in their last four World Cup finals.
• Netherlands have lost just two of their 12 World Cup games against South American teams, not including penalty shootouts (1978 final v Argentina and 1994 quarter-final v Brazil).
• Against Costa Rica, the Dutch made 692 passes, the most they've recorded in a single World Cup match (1966-2014).
• Ten of the Netherlands' 12 goals in this tournament have come after half-time and their last four goals have come after the 75th minute.
• In their quarter-final, the Netherlands recorded the 11th instance of a team hitting the woodwork three times in a World Cup match (1966-2014).
• The Dutch are the only team to concede more than one penalty at this World Cup.
• Wesley Sneijder has played more World Cup games than any other Dutchman (16).
• Their shoot-out victory over Costa Rica was their sixth in major tournament history and they have now won two and lost four. It was the first time they have converted all their penalties in a shootout in a major tournament.
• They have had seven different goalscorers at this World Cup, more than any team.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Netherlands 0-0 Argentina (21 June 2006)

World Cup 2014: Miroslav Klose breaks finals goals record

Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the record scorer in World Cup history by netting his 16th finals goal in the 7-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.

The 36-year-old Lazio striker put his country 2-0 ahead as they opened up a 5-0 half-time lead in Belo Horizonte.

Klose moved level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo by scoring against Ghana earlier in the competition.

Germany's leading goalscorer with 71 goals in 136 games, he is the third player to net at four World Cups.

Brazil legend Pele and West Germany's Uwe Seeler both scored at the 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 finals.

Klose's goal against Brazil came in his 23rd World Cup appearance, a tally only compatriot Lothar Matthaus has bettered.

Germany have never lost a game in which he has scored.

"Klose is not a Ronaldo, or a Pele or that kind of footballer," said Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker. "He is a poacher but to break that record is a phenomenal achievement."

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, working as a pundit in Brazil, added: "He does not excite you outside the box but he is a pure goalscorer.

"When the ball comes into the box, he comes alive."

Miroslav Klose
16 goals in 23 World Cup games - a World Cup record.	Third player to net at four World Cups, after Pele and Uwe Seeler.
Germany have never lost in a game in which he has scored any of his 71 goals.	He had never before netted in a World Cup semi-final or final.

Top five World Cup goalscorers
Position	Name	Country	Goals	Matches Played	Goal Average	Tournaments
1	Miroslav Klose	Germany	16	23	0.70	2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
2	Ronaldo	Brazil	15	19	0.79	1998, 2002, 2006
3	Gerd Muller	West Germany	14	13	1.08	1970, 1974
4	Just Fontaine	France	13	6	2.17	1958
5	Pele	Brazil	12	14	0.86	1958, 1962, 1966, 1970

HUMILIATION...AIBU AIBU TUPUU KWA BRAZIL BAADA YA JANA KUPIGWA 7-1

Muller began the humiliation in the 11th minute

Klose became a World Cup history-maker with a well-worked goal

The first-half humbling continued when Kroos fired in a stunning third

It was 4-0 by the 26th minute - Kroos (right) grabbing the third

Brazil players were stunned after Khedira scored Germany's fourth goal in sixth minutes - and fifth overall

It was total despair for the Brazil fans inside Estadio Mineirao

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari could not look as his side fell to one of the most stunning defeats in World Cup history

Substitute Schurrle scored the sixth and seventh for Germany as the Brazil nightmare continued after the break

Oscar scored in stoppage time but there was no celebration from the Brazil players

Scolari (centre) tried to console the Brazil players with a post-match huddle

GOSSIP ROUNDUP

WORLD CUP GOSSIP

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says Neymar, 22, feared he was paralysed when the Barcelona forward sustained the back injury that ended his World Cup. Guardian

Chelsea winger Willian, 25, believes he can fill the void left by Neymar's absence and help Brazil to World Cup success. Daily Mirror 

Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, 30, says he is tired of people criticising him after he admitted diving during the last-16 win against Mexico. Daily Mail 

Netherlands keeper Tim Krul came on specifically for his country's penalty shootout win over Costa Rica and his former Newcastle manager - Glenn Roeder - says the 26-year-old is not averse to taking a spot-kick as well as saving them. Daily Express 

Krul came on for 25-year-old Jasper Cillessen, who says he was not told about Dutch coach Louis van Gaal's decision to replace him for the penalty shootout and was "angry" at the decision. Daily Telegraph 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal have renewed their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, 25, with Arsene Wenger also closing in on the signings of Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez, 25, and Newcastle full-back Mathieu Debuchy, 28. Daily Telegraph 

The Gunners have agreed a £34m fee for Sanchez but Barcelona are waiting to see if Italian club Juventus can match the offer. Liverpool are also interested in the forward but he is not keen on joining the Reds. Daily Mail 

Manchester United have been told they must increase their offer for Feyenoord defender Daryl Janmaat, 24. Metro 

Meanwhile, Red Devils winger Nani, 27, could play a key role in the club's pursuit of 27-year-old Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal. Manchester Evening News 

Southampton are set to make an £8m offer for Cardiff City's 29-year-old goalkeeper David Marshall. Daily Mail 

Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says captain Steven Caulker, 22, will decide if he wants to join Queens Park Rangers after the clubs agreed a fee. Daily Express 

West Bromwich Albion could complete their third summer signing in the coming days with defender Chris Baird, 32, in advanced talks. Birmingham Mail 

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman plans to replace left-back Luke Shaw, who has joined Manchester United, with Colombia's 27-year-old Pablo Armero. Daily Mirror 

Ashley Cole is a free agent after his contract at Chelsea came to an end and the 33-year-old left-back is in talks with several European clubs as he decides on his next move. Talksport  

Hull City are expected to beat Crystal Palace, QPR and West Ham to the £4m signing of Tottenham defender Michael Dawson. The Sun (subscription required) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Louis van Gaal plans to bring his Netherlands World Cup tactics to Manchester United by playing 3-4-3 next season. Daily Mirror 

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 21, says he has a decision to make about his future at Chelsea this summer. Guardian 

GLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)

Monaco are interested in Newcastle's 24-year-old French midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who is also being chased by Liverpool. L'Equipe (in French) 

Arsenal, Tottenham, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are the top contenders for Southampton's 24-year-old French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. L'Equipe 

Liverpool are eager to sell Daniel Agger and have offered the 29-year-old defender to Spanish giants Barcelona. Mundodeportivo (in Spanish) 

Manchester United and Paris St-Germain are willing to pay £47m for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria. AS.com (in Spanish) 

Italian side Fiorentina could target Manchester United's 26-year-old Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. Lefigaro (in French) 

Manchester City's high asking price for striker Alvaro Negredo, 28, has prompted Atletico Madrid to look elsewhere and the Spanish club have made a £14m offer for Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic, 28. Marca (in Spanish) 

Monaco have asked Real Madrid to pay £63m if they want to sign Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, 22. As.com 

Veteran Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, 43, has announced his retirement from football after his country's exit from the World Cup. Bild (in German) 

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is concerned he will not get the right price for Arsenal target Mario Balotelli following the 23-year-old Italian striker's lacklustre performance at the World Cup. Bild 

Former Swansea boss Michael Laudrup, who has recently taken over at Qatari club Lekhwiya, wants to sign Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, 34. Marca 

BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Belgium striker Divock Origi, 19, believes he will take away some important lessons from Brazil, tweeting:  "Proud to be able to represent my country at the World Cup, It was a great learning experience! Thanks."

Brazil defender Dante, 30, is looking forward to the World Cup semi-final against Germany, tweeting:  "We trained hard today to play Germany in the Fifa World Cup. We will be ready on Tuesday!"

AND FINALLY

Colombia celebrated their return home from the World Cup in the same memorable style as they did most of goals in Brazil. Metro 

World Cup 2014: Argentina's Angel Di Maria out of semi-final

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands, but striker Sergio Aguero is fit to play.

Di Maria, 26, was injured in the 1-0 quarter-final win over Belgium.

The Real Madrid player, who was assessed on Sunday, has a thigh strain and will not face the Dutch.

Manchester City striker Aguero, 26, has returned to training and is fit to play after injuring his hamstring in the group-stage win over Nigeria.

Di Maria, who scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Switzerland in the last 16, could be fit for the final on Sunday.

BYEE NEYMAR...TUNAKUOMBEA UPONE MAPEMA

Injured Brazil forward Neymar left his team's training base in Terespolis in a helicopter on Saturday. With his father alongside him, Neymar waved to the many cameras before taking off. Local media reported he was bound for Sao

TIM KRUL ALIVYOINGIA DAKIKA YA 120 NA KUISAIDIA UHOLANZI BAADA YA KUSAVE PENALTI 2 DHIDI YA COSTA RICA

Inspired? Heroic? Brave? Stupid?

Call it what you like, but after being brought on in the final minute of extra time by Louis van Gaal, Tim Krul's penalty shootout saves sent the Netherlands into the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

ARGENTINA YAIFUNGA BELGIUM MOJA BILA...SASA USO KWA USO NA UHOLANZI

Gonzalo Higuain ended an international scoring drought of 528 minutes when he struck the winner.

Angel Di Maria was a constant thorn in the Belgium defence before he was injured in the first half.

Argentina supporters outnumbered their Belgian rivals inside the Estadio Nacional, but there were still plenty of Red Devils fans providing a splash of red colour in the stands.

This is the first time since 1986 (2-1 v England) that Argentina have won a quarter-final outright in 90 minutes

Lionel Messi earned his 91st cap for Argentina, moving him level with Diego Maradona.

UHOLANZI YAOFUNGA COSTA RICA KWA PENALTI NA KUTINGA NUSU FAINALI DHIDI YA ARGENTIA

Wesley Sneijder hit the woodwork on two occasions

Keylor Navas conceded two goals in five World Cup matches

Bryan Ruiz was the first Costa Rica player to fail to score with a penalty in a shootout in Brazil, at the seventh attempt

Krul was brought on 44 seconds before the final whistle

The Netherlands are in the semi-finals for the third time in the past four World Cups

Costa Rica had never reached the World Cup quarter-finals before

DON'T MISS TODAY'S WORLD CUP MATCHES

France vs Germany 17:00

Brazil v Colombia (Friday, 21:00 BST

Your pediction?

Seven Germany players suffer with flu

Seven Germany players are suffering from flu symptoms, 24 hours before Friday's World Cup quarter-final against France.
Coach Joachim Low did not reveal the names of the players affected.
"One third of our team were complaining about a sore throat," he said. "All players were able to train.
"They still have a slight cold but there's no feeling of exhaustion. I hope that we do not have any worsening overnight."
Mats Hummels and Christoph Kramer suffered with illness earlier in the week, with the former missing Monday's last-16 win over Algeria.
Low believes that the travel across Brazil, and different climate zones for their four matches so far - as well as matches in tropical heat, a heavy downpour and then in chilly Porto Alegre - have taken their toll.
He added: "Sometimes you have little problems and you have to wait for a day to see how that develops. With Mats Hummels, it was at its worst on day three; he had a fever."

Today BRAZIL vs COLOMBIA; Luiz Felipe Scolari: Brazil have 'one hand on the World Cup'

Friday's quarter-final against Colombia in Fortaleza.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his team have one hand on the World Cup as he rounded angrily on his critics ahead of

Scolari insisted during a tense news conference that the 2002 World Cup winners are on course to reclaim the trophy on home soil.

“Our supporters want us to tell them what we want, how we want to win and how we are going to get it. We continue with the same speech”

Luiz Felipe Scolari

"Does Brazil continue to have one hand on the trophy? Yes," he said.

"We are going on to the fifth step and there are seven steps."

Scolari has been criticised by former players, including 1970 World Cup winning captain Carlos Alberto, for his use of sports psychologist Regina Brandao.

Brandao, who has worked regularly with Scolari, visited the Brazil camp after several of the players broke down in tears during the national anthem, and also after the penalty shoot-out win against Chile in the last 16.

He said: "It was scheduled and organised. She will come again on Sunday and Monday. She has participated in a very nice way and I will tell you I don't think she makes us win.

"She isn't paid anything to do this. I admire psychologists. You can try to seek more information."

The 65-year-old, who led Brazil to 2002 World Cup success in Japan and South Korea, also took issue with members of the media who were excluded from a briefing with him earlier this week, telling them: "If you don't like it, go to hell."

Emre Can completes Liverpool transfer from Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Germany under-21 international midfielder Emre Can.

The clubs agreed a £10m transfer for the 20-year-old last month but had to wait until the summer transfer window opened on 1 July to finalise the deal.

"Emre is an exciting young talent and I'm delighted he's chosen Liverpool," Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said.

Can is the third player to arrive at Anfield this summer, after Southampton duo Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.

RAIS OBAMA AWAONGOZA WAMAREKANI KUISHUHUDIA TIMU YAO IKICHEZA NA UBELGIJI JANA

Diego Costa: Chelsea agree transfer with Atletico Madrid

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Diego Costa after reaching agreement with Atletico Madrid.

The Stamford Bridge club had wanted the 25-year-old Spain striker to complete a £32m move prior to the World Cup.

That deadline was not met but a deal has now finally been completed.

A statement read:  "Chelsea can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause."

Diego Costa factfile

• Born: 7 October 1988, Lagarto, Brazil
• Clubs: Braga 2006, Penafiel 2006 (on loan), Atletico Madrid 2006-09, Braga 2007 (on loan), Celta Vigo 2007-08 (on loan), Albacete 2008-09 (on loan), Real Valladolid 2009-10, Atletico Madrird 2010-14, Rayo Vallecano 2012 (on loan)
• League appearances for Atletico: 94
• League goals for Atletico: 43
• La Liga wins: 2013-14
• Copa del Rey wins: 2012-13

The Premier League club had already agreed to meet that fee, while the player himself told Atletico of his desire to move, but agreement proved elusive throughout June.

During that time, Costa started in Spain's first two games at the Fifa World Cup, winning the penalty that allowed Xabi Alonso to opening the scoring in the 5-1 defeat against the Netherlands.

However, both he and Spain endured a disappointing tournament. The holders exited at the group stage as Costa was booed repeatedly by Brazil fans, who have not forgiven him for switching allegiance from the country of his birth.

Nevertheless, his tally of 27 goals in La Liga last season was bettered only by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (31) and Barcelona's Lionel Messi (28).

In total, Costa scored 36 goals in 52 games for Atletico last term as they won their first La Liga title since 1996 and reached the Champions League final.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had made the addition of a "killer" striker a key priority during the summer.

The London club scored 71 goals in the league last season, 31 fewer than champions Manchester City, who finished four points ahead of them.

Strikers Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba contributed a total of 19 of those in the league, with 33-year-old Eto'o, who has been released, scoring nine of them.