There it is! The one big chance of the game, but Gonzalo Higuain can't take it.

Enzo Perez gets away on the right and bends in a lovely early cross, Higuain beats the offside trap and is across his marker but stabs the ball into the side-netting. So near, and yet so far...

Robin van Persie hooks an effort over, his first chance of the night, but he was offside.

We have had just one shot on target all evening, that early free-kick from Lionel Messi.

Former England international Chris Waddle, BBC Radio 5 live

"This game has never come to life. No one gets hold of the ball, there's no movement."

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Sao Paulo

Image source, AFP

"Lots of fans have taken shelter under the temporary, uncovered stands here at Arena de Sao Paulo. It means they cannot actually see any of this World Cup semi-final - and at this stage they are not missing much."

Seventy minutes into a damp squib. In need of inspiration - this is where Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo or Tony Daley would find that spark and change the game.

I'm looking at you Lionel Messi. Or you Arjen Robben.

Can you change it?

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport in Rio de Janeiro

"Just one sub left for the Dutch. Tim Krul hoping no injuries in the next hour if this game is going to go the distance, as it appears..."

Another injury! Daryl Janmaat, who has been heavily involved since coming on, takes a whack to the face and requires treatment.

Argentina boss Alex Sabella is out bellowing instructions to his side before Daley Blind sprays a pass out of play, 25 yards behind his team-mates.

Somewhere, Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona sit in a darkened room. Johan's just opened the second bottle of Scotch.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Sao Paulo

"Could dress this one up as a chess match or intriguing tactical battle - but for the most part it continues to be a dull stalemate lacking a spark of inspiration. Argentina and the Netherlands have players more than capable but this World Cup semi-final has so far failed to offer them that opportunity."

Brian Capaloff:, external German squad must be laughing into their beers as they watch this. Neither team great and extra-time beckons!

Abdul Karim:, external Can we just move on to penalties, nothing to see here.

Neal Collins:, external Next thing you know, you'll wake up and Tim Krul will be warming up.

Nobody likes a follow through. But Lucas Biglia is going to re-appear, as the rain lashes down in Sao Paulo now.

Shoot on sight?

Former England international Chris Waddle, BBC Radio 5 live

"He followed through, did Daryl Janmaat. A clash of knees and Biglia took the brunt of it."

Image source, Getty Images

A really heavy tackle in midfield has left Lucas Biglia in a heap on the floor. He went knee to knee with Daryl Janmaat and we have an extended break for treatment.

Get a striker on in his place!

Into the final third. Which is where this game falls apart.

Does anyone want to win this? The Dutch make a change as Nigel de Jong is replaced by Jordy Clasie.

Mark Pougatch
BBC Radio 5 live

"Is this the same Ron Vlaar who played at Aston Villa last season or has he been taken over by an alien being?"

That's better! Ezequiel Lavezzi spins out wide to the right, stands up Ron Vlaar and then puts over a decent cross for Gonzalo Higuain to attack but he can't get a free header on it under pressure from Daryl Janmaat.

That was more like it though.

Mark Lawrenson
Match of the Day analyst

Image source, AP

"This game has reached the point of no return. Someone has got to say, 'come on, let's have a go'. There's a place in the final at stake."

Former England international Chris Waddle, BBC Radio 5 live

"It's just so poor for quality. Anybody who puts pressure on the ball seems to win it. The passing is so slack."

Lionel Messi has resorted to taking the ball from his centre-halves now. He then picks it up 30 yards out for the first time, he runs at Ron Vlaar - who stops him in his tracks with a great tackle!

Who is the Ron Vlaar lookalike who plays for Aston Villa?