He functions best in a well-oiled machine, a concept that’s difficult to match with Argentina
Win over struggling rivals Argentina would help heal wounds of Germany thrashing
Argentina’s number 10 wasn’t on scoresheet against Paraguay but orchestrated 6-1 win
Juventus forward reborn in Serie A but has always struggled with self-destructuve streak
Gareth Bale the only British player included on the 23-man list, with Cristiano Ronaldo the clear favourite
Maradona returns fire by bringing up host nation’s 7-1 defeat to Germany
Locals happy to cheer semi-final conquerors Germany as old enemy leave empty-handed
Carlos Bilardo’s side beat West Germany 3-2 in the final in Mexico 28 years ago
Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez chasing ‘revenge’ for 2006 and 2010 defeats
Being 600km away from that mesmeric 7-1 hammering was strangely revealing
Devoted fans set to get behind South American finalists
In the Netherlands Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf lamented the end of a dream
Sergio Romero the hero as goalkeeper saves two Dutch penalties after goalless 120 minutes
Despite Lionel Messi wearing the armband midfielder displays his own brand of leadership
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