Javier Mascherano: 'Possession is key against the Netherlands'

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has claimed that possession will be key for his side during their World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands.

The two footballing powerhouses go head to head in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night, with the winner facing either hosts Brazil or Germany in the final.

Mascherano believes that he and his teammates will need to be fully focused tomorrow if they are to thwart the counter-attacking style of the Dutch.

"We know that we are going to play against a team that is at its best when playing on the counter-attack, because of the pace they have in attack," he told FIFA.com.

"We need to make sure we don't lose the ball unnecessarily. Concentration will be key, along with the way we set our stall out in the match, and we will need to be patient when it comes to making decisions."

Mascherano has scored three goals in 102 appearances for Argentina.