2022 World Cup: Netherlands vs Argentina Match Preview
It’s been all joy since the commencement of the Qatar FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Teams have exhibit a highly competitive showpiece as the tournament has progressed to the quarter-finals stage. Our main focus will be on the clash between Netherlands and Argentina.
This encounter promises to very tricky, tough and entertaining as well. Both teams have shown good performances in the competition so far. A lot is at stake for both nations.
These teams have previously faced each other five times at the World Cup, most recently in the semi-finals of 2014, which Argentina won on penalties.
It’s conceivable that the score will remain 0-0 after regulation this time, and the outcome may once again depend on penalties. Argentina won 2-1 on Saturday night to secure their place in the quarterfinals, despite Australia giving them a fright late.
They have placed second twice since losing the World Cup in 1986, although they have also been eliminated in the quarterfinals three times since then. Netherlands defeated USA to progress to the quarter-finals in a match that ended 3-1.
They have only only lost in this stage of a World Cup once, to eventual champions Brazil in 1994 by a score of 3-2.
Although they didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup, they did finish third and second in the two World Cups before that in 2014 and 2010, respectively, so they will be trying to advance further this time.
For Argentina, it’s all or nothing as Lionel Messi is aiming to win this World Cup.
Messi is in fine form and looking forward to help his team edge past their opponent. On the other hand, Van Gaal is in contention to add the World Cup trophy to his trophy cabinet as a coach for the Dutch National Team.
When and Where: The match is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 9 at exactly 7:00pm GMT at the Lusali Stadium.
Team News: Netherlands
A real headache awaits Louis Van Gaal coming up against one of the best players in the World. His midfielders will be tasked not to leave spaces for Messi to capitalize on.
The Dutch side has been very impressive since the start of the competition. With the coming back of Memphis Depay from injury, there is a huge boost and confidence amongst the players.
There is a believe that they are can eliminate the Argentines. Few changes might be made in the line up used in their round 16 game against United State of America.
Currently there are no injury concerns in the camp of the Dutch national team and all players are available for selection.
Argentina
For Argentina, it’s now clear that Lionel Scolani has settled on Manchester City youngster Julian Alvarez after his two successive impressive performance against Mexico and Australia.
The young forward has scored two goals in two matches he has started for the Argentina in the competition, making him the sixth player to score in his first two games for the country and the first player to do since Hernan Crespo in 2006.
The same line-up that was used against Australia will be used unless Angel Di Maria is given the medical clearance to feature in this game.
Enzo Fernandez is expected to keep his spot in the line up. A formidable 4-2-3-1 set-up is expected to be used.
Should Scolani decide to use a 3-back system, Lisandro Martinez could be used as the third centre-back.
Possible line-ups
Netherlands: Noppert, Timber, Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, Roon, De Jong, Blind, Depay, Klassen, Gakpo
Argentina: Emi Martinez, Acuna, Otamendi, Romero, Molina, De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Allister, Messi, Alvarez, Gomez. Match
Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 Argentina
Story by Egyir Papa Kwamena
