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Netherlands Squad Report: Enjoy this moment while it lasts

John Sibley / Action Images

Match day. The heart beats a bit faster. The feeling of nausea begins to settle in the stomach. You're a little more distracted than normal. And you've still got hours to go before the match actually begins.

So many previews have been published for today's Netherlands vs. Argentina match, with their keys to the game and players to watch and how this team can beat that team, but as soon as first whistle is blown, and kick off occurs, the match becomes its own production. It's a drama that even the most competent director can't completely manage.

For us, watching every minute with friends or family, at home or out in public, it's easy to forget how special these matches are. We feel the significance in our worry and trepidation, but it can happen so fast that we forget to savour these moments. 

After all, an average lifetime will only witness 20 World Cups. Even for lifelong football fans, only a dozen to 15 of those will have the potential to be meaningful and memorable. Out of those, how many times will our team have an extended journey through the tournament?

So, as your nerves overwhelm you today over the thought of who might have to replace Robin van Persie in the starting XI, or when Wesley Sneijder loses possession AGAIN on the edge of the attacking third, or the moment Bruno Martins Indi gives an unnecessary foul on the edge of the box, remember to enjoy this sweet torture.

In an age when immediate gratification and accessibility are abundant, the World Cup is rare in that it represents a truly limited opportunity. Remember that, today. Even as your blood pressure soars and the palms of your hands sweat, embrace those moments because these experiences are extraordinary.

And that's just for supporters. I can't even imagine what it's like for those participating.

Never Forget

Fixtures/Results

Group B  — June 13 — Spain 1 - Netherlands 5

Group B  — June 18 — Australia 2 - Netherlands 3

Group B — June 23  — Netherlands 2 - Chile 0

Round of 16 — June 29 — Netherlands 2 - Mexico 1

Quarterfinal — July 5 —  Netherlands 0 (4) - Chile 0 (3)

Semifinal — July 9 — Netherlands vs. Argentina

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

Robin van Persie trained apart from the rest of the squad on Tuesday due to a stomach ailment.

Nigel de Jong (groin) took part in training on Tuesday. According to Louis van Gaal, his status for Wednesday's game will be dependent on how he's feeling after his training session.

Leroy Fer (thigh) trained apart from the rest of the squad. He's questionable for the semifinal match against Argentina.

Ron Vlaar (knees) took part in training on Tuesday after missing previous sessions, and his status for Wednesday's game is questionable.

Team Leaders

Goals: Arjen Robben - 3; Robin van Persie - 3

Assists: Arjen Robben - 1; Klaas Jan Huntelaar - 1

Shots: Arjen Robben - 17

Passes Completed: Daley Blind - 256

Tackles: Stefan de Vrij - 15

Recoverd Balls: Stefan de Vrij - 34

Saves: Jasper Cillessen - 12

5 Quick Notes

1. The Queen of the Netherlands (consort) is an Argentinian, born in Buenos Aires. 

2. If the Dutch win it all, they will have vindicated their three World Cup final losses, having beaten Germany (who they lost to in 1974), Argentina (who they lost to in 1978) and Spain (who they lost to in 2010).

3. Argentina’s victory in the 1978 final is their only win against the Netherlands in 8 meetings overall — losing four matches and drawing three times.

4. Louis van Gaal called on the parents of the Netherlands to let their kids stay up late, and watch the match vs. Argentina.

5. Perfection from De Telegraf:

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