Holland vs Argentina: Messi and Robben outshone by Mascherano and defenses

Before the World Cup semifinal between Holland and Argentina, the common names being paraded as potential headlines were, in no particular order, Messi, Robben, Van Persie, Sneijder, Aguero, Higuain, and Di Maria by his absence. Even Tim Krul got afew mentions. Nobody talked about Vlaar, Di Vrij, Demichelis, Rojo or Mascherano. And even after millions watched the game and their heroics, these players may get few mentions. For defending is the art of letting nothing exciting happen, and the greatest success for a backline is a boring game (for their keeper at least).
The stellar attacking forces on show makes the defensive achievement of a goaless game even greater. Fans would undoubtedly be quick to lament the performances of Messi and Robben, the duel of mesmerizing dribbles that never appeared. Both sides defended deep and compacted their lines, making it clear to Messrs Messi and Robben that any mazzy run they attempt would have to begin from the halfway line. Only on one occasion did Robben get the ball behind the Argentine defence, courtesy of smart Sneijder backheel. The ensuing match saving tackle by Javier Mascherano is a textbook example of a midfielder tracking his man, no mean feat when that man is Robben at full pelt. For all the dreams and schemes of a star studded roster of creative players, it was tackles and covering - defensive discipline - which won the day.
One only has to look at the other semifinal to appreciate this quality. Unglamorous though it is, the triumph of both defenses should be celebrated.