Argentina's Sergio Aguero runs with the ball during a training session in Vespesiano, near Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Sunday (Brazilian time). Photo: CFP

 Argentina take on Holland in São Paulo on Wednesday afternoon with the winners taking a berth in the final at Rio's ­famous Maracana on Sunday. Both teams are in the semifinal on merit and both have scores to settle at this year's World Cup.

Argentina have not been in the semi­finals since they last made the final back in 1990. On the way to that defeat by West Germany they beat Brazil in the second round and still sing about it to this day.

They desperately want to add another World Cup to their trophy cabinet in Buenos Aires and would like to succeed nowhere more than over the border in their most hated rival's territory.

The Netherlands will feel their story is even more deserving of a happy ending come Sunday evening. Soccer's perpetual bridesmaids have appeared in three showpieces but have yet to lift the World Cup aloft.

Their most recent appearance was four years ago in South Africa and they have already vanquished their Spanish tormentors in the opening game.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi Photo: AFP

 With Argentina up next and the possibility of Germany to follow, the other teams who have broken Dutch hearts, they will feel that this is their year to break the hoodoo.

That 1978 final in Argentina was just one of the great games that this fixture has thrown up in the World Cup. The Argentines took that ill-tempered affair 3-1 after extra time, claiming vengeance for the 4-0 humiliation meted out by Johan Cruyff and his compadres in the second round four years previous.

The highest drama was saved for France 98 and a Dennis Bergkamp decider that was one of the best goals scored at that or any World Cup.

The Netherlands most recent meeting with Argentina was a goal-less stalemate eight years ago that featured Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez and Lionel Messi, many of whom will start in São Paulo.

Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben

 One man who did not play a part eight years ago but is sure to on Wednesday is Arjen Robben.

The Bayern Munich winger has been in the form of his life at the finals and key to the Dutch offense. His exploits have been matched by Argentina's Messi and the match-winning goals and assists that he has provided for the Albiceleste.

To boil this game down to Robben ­versus Messi is simplistic but not too far from the truth. Whichever of the superstars performs the best should be finding their next game at the Maracana.

There are other players who could yet play a decisive part. Strikers Van Persie and Higuain have showed flashes of their ability so far, as has Sneijder, while Sergio Aguero could return from injury to replace the crocked Angel di Maria.

The Dutch appear likely to lineup in the same 5-3-2 formation that has served them so well this far. It's tough to break down and they will look to shackle Messi as quickly as possible every time he gets on the ball.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has come in for a lot of criticism from the press back home for employing such tactics but he has been justified in their use by still being here at this late stage.

This is in stark contrast to an ­Argentina side that can do no wrong in anyone's eyes now that they have ­returned to the semi­final after a 24-year hiatus.

The game takes place on Argentina's Independence Day, but nothing will make the nation more proud than ­another win or two in ­Brazil. However, the Dutch are hellbent on ripping up that script.

World Cup semifinal