For the first time since 1990, Argentina will appear in a World Cup semi-final and as fate would have it, they take on a nation with whom they share plenty of iconic World Cup moments.
Argentina did suffer a blow in beating Belgium as key winger Angel Di Maria suffered a thigh injury. But Sergio Aguero may be fit enough to take his place in the starting XI again.
"I think they will try to play him because of the Di Maria injury," said Argentina football expert Marcela Mora y Araujo, who joined us on the line to preview the Netherlands match.
"There is a desperate need for someone who has the rapport with Messi that Aguero and Di Maria have. But I don't know if it's a good idea," she added, citing the injury risk to Aguero who could be ruled out for the final if he aggravates his hamstring problem.
She also spoke about the mood in Argentina ahead of the semi-final and whether there is optimism about a team that has yet to illuminate the tournament.
The match also brings back memories of the 1978 World Cup final against Netherlands which was won by Argentina on home soil, but at a time when the country lived under the thumb of a military dictatorship.
"It was such a difficult time politically for Argentina. There had been a lot of talk that Cruyff hadn't traveled to play in the World Cup because he was politically active. Over time this does not appear to be the reason why he didn't come to play," said Mora y Araujo who also referenced the 1998 quarter-final as a key moment between the two nations.
"The Dutch press interviewed the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who are the mothers of people who had disappeared and who marched every Thursday lunchtime outside the government house, demanding answers as to where their children were. I think breaking that story internationally was a very important moment in terms of what journalism can do. It didn't end the regime or transform the circumstances of the country. But it just brought awareness to a situation."
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