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Napoli fans should be cheering Argentina against Netherlands

Julian Finney

When the World Cup kicked off on June 12, Napoli had sixteen players present in Brazil, representing ten countries. All but one of these players saw playing time, including Pepe Reina and Raúl Albiol, who made it on to the pitch in Spain's who-the-hell-cares final match against Australia. Even Henrique Buss got two full minutes of time against Colombia (did he manage to put a kick on James?) but fortunately was spared the utter humiliation of having to get off the bench during Germany's 7-1 thrashing of Brazil.

Still, Brazil's elimination means Napoli are down to just three remaining players: Mariano Andújar, Federico Fernández and Gonzalo Higuaín. And yes, it's Andújar that has yet to see the pitch, how ever did you guess?

In other words, if you're a Napoli fan, you best be rooting for Argentina against Netherlands today. Not that it gives Napoli any sort of boost in, say, their UEFA coefficient, but it lifts the heart a bit to see players form your club competing in the World Cup final.

Unless of course your players get hurt, in which case Aurelio De Laurentiis will declare war on Netherlands and everything will get bat-shit crazy. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Higuaín, who finally scored with a perfectly-finished half-volley against Dries Mertens and Co. last time out, should certainly be starting against Holland. Fernández, probably not so much. Alejandro Sabella finally made some adjustments to his defense for the game against Belgium, and turns out they're able to not descend into a mild panic anytime the ball comes near. Who knew? Anyway, it means he's more likely to be on the bench.

Then, of course, we've got a half-Napoli player in Ezequiel Lavezzi, who's almost certain to get the start thanks to Argentina's injury woes. Let's face it, Lavezzi has always remained part of Napoli.

And...finally...

In other words, how can you be a Napoli fan and root against Argentina? Go on...explain yourselves.