Javier Mascherano wary of Netherlands challenge

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed that he and his teammates are in a confident mood at the World Cup, but are wary of the Netherlands in their semi-final clash.

La Celeste have reached the last four of the tournament for the first time since 1990, but will be without Angel di Maria for their clash with Louis van Gaal's side as he sustained a thigh injury in their win over Belgium.

Mascherano is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News: "The group as a whole is very happy, except for the situation with Angel, which is a great shame. We hope he recovers soon.

"Against Belgium, we used the spaces better. We didn't rush. We waited for the right moment to pass.

"It was a lovely game but it was yesterday. Now we're focused on Holland. We know they are still smarting from defeat in South Africa four years ago."

Alejandro Sabella's side face the Netherlands in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.