Louis van Gaal anticipates "50-50" semi-final

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that there is nothing between them and Argentina as they prepare to battle for a place in the World Cup final.

The two footballing giants clash in Sao Paulo on Wednesday to decide who will face Germany, who humiliated hosts Brazil, at the Maracana on July 13.

Both nations won all three of their group games, but have only narrowly advanced through the knockout stages and Van Gaal cited their similar paths to the last four when stressing that it is a "50-50" match.

"I don't think there's a favourite," he told reporters. "In the semi-finals, the countries are at the same level. The results have reflected that in the quarter-finals and the last 16, so I'd say it'll be a 50-50 match.

"We'll need a bit of luck. The coin has to fall your way."

Meanwhile, several bookmakers consider Argentina the favourites to emerge victorious.