NETHERLANDS v ARGENTINA: Perez replaces Di Maria for Argentina

"I can't confirm the line-up but very probably it will be with Enzo Perez," Sabella said.

The attacking Benfica midfielder Perez took the place of Di Maria when he limped off during the 1-0 quarter-final win over Belgium.

Sabella said that Di Maria's loss is a big one, also because he is an important team-mate of Lionel Messi, but said that "Perez has matured ... He has a lot of dynamics, runs a lot and opens spaces."

While missing Di Maria, Sabella can welcome back Marcos Roja from a suspension and forward Sergio Aguero back from a thigh muscle problem, although Aguero will likely not be in the starting 11.

"We will see. If we need him he will be ready," Sabella said.

Sabella said Argentina want "to take the next step" into the final on Sunday in the Maracana against Germany, who thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in a memorable first semi Tuesday.

The coach named Germany "a power" but also said their result somehow highlights that "football is the least logical sport in the world," but first he is wary of the Dutch led by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

"Van Persie is an unbalancing player in a one-on-one. We must have players close to him to make sure he doesn't pick up speed because its then difficult to take the ball away from him," Sebella said.

He added in the direction of Robben: "He is a great player and very important for his team, just like Neymar for Brazil and Messi for Argentina. But Messi is the best of them all."

However, Sabella will likely play it safe against the speedy Dutch as - like his counterpart Louis van Gaal - he is not shy of changing his tactical formation.

"Let us see what kind of match we will have. The Dutch can play forward, but also stay back and counter attack. They have ball possession and very talented players," he said.

"Football is a balance of defence and attack. The first forward is the last defender, and the first defender is the last forward. We have improved greatly in this aspect but meet an opponent who is very good in attack."

The game takes place on Argentina's Independence Day, and Sabella hopes for victory and the nation's first place in a final since 1990 - when they lost 1-0 to Germany.

"We came here with the intention to reach the highest level. We are better than we used to be. We want to be in the final. We will never be satisfied, having reached this (semi-final) stage ... We will try to get one more step on the ladder," he said.