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Cape Town - Argentina approach their first semi-final since 1990 having won all their games by one goal margins and with Lionel Messi having scored four of their goals.
However, the loss of di Maria is an enormous blow to them as he has been impressive in all their games and scored the only goal in their last 16 clash with Switzerland which ironically was seen as his least effective performance.
On the plus side Argentina say that striker Sergio Aguero is fit to return after a leg muscle problem ruled him out of the match with Switzerland.
Argentinian hardman midfielder Javier Mascherano said it was a blow to lose di Maria but the sudden return to form of Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the only goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over Belgium, could compensate for that.
"Gonzalo being more involved in the game means that with him and Leo (Messi) taking more of the possession it allows us to breathe a little more," said Mascherano.
Mascherano, though, believes the Dutch, who scraped through their own quarter-final on penalties against Costa Rica, are a team on a mission to put right their loss in the 2010 final to Spain.
"There is a look in their eye of wanting to correct an injustice they feel was done to them and they will not allow anyone to stand in their way to achieve that aim," he said.
One thing Mascherano will hope to avoid is penalties and having to cope with Dutch reserve 'keeper Tim Krul's gamesmanship before taking the spot kicks.
Krul, who saved two penalties when coach Louis van Gaal sensationally sent him on to replace number one Jasper Cillessen for the shootout, denies he overstepped the mark.
"I don't think I did anything wrong. I did nothing crazy. I didn't shout in an aggressive manner."
