Van Gaal’s Netherlands to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Quarter-finals
After beating the USA by 3-1, the Netherlands will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Quarter-finals. Both teams have faced each other five times before in the mega events, with the Netherlands winning two, drawing one, and losing two.
Talking about Argentina first, they knocked out Australia from the World Cup by winning 2-1 in the round of 16. Lionel Messi scored the game’s opening goal in the 35th minute, with Alvarez doubling the lead by scoring the second goal in the 57th minute.
Though Australia put life back into the game in the 77th minute when the deflected ball from Enzo Fernandez went to the back of the net, they couldn’t hit the target again.
In the last eight rounds, they’ll take on the Dutch team, which advanced to the final eight stages after knocking out the USA in the round of 16. Argentina secured a hard-fought three points against Australia and will be looking forward to going one step closer to the semi-finals after beating knocking out the Dutch.
Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni won’t have the services of Papu Gomez available for this game as he was subbed off with a sprained ankle in the 50th minute of the game and, as of now, is uncertain to play against the Oranje. However, the good news is Angel Di Maria is recovering fast from his Quadriceps problem and will most probably play in the quarter-final.
Argentina Probable Starting XI (3-5-2) :
E Martinez, Romero, Otamendi, Li Martinez, Molina, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Acuna, Messi, Alvarez
Bench:
Armani, Rulli, Foyth, Tagliafico, Montiel, Paredes, Pezzella, Di Maria, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Rodriguez, Dybala
On the other hand, the Netherlands qualified for the quarter-finals after they hammered the USA in the round of 16. Memphis Depay scored the opening goal of the game in the 10th minute. Veteran Daley Blind doubled the lead by scoring on the verge of the end of the first half.
Wright scored the only goal by the USA in the 76th minute, which raised some hopes, but Dumfries’ goal in the 81st minute put an end to all those and ensured the three points and the ticket for his side for the last eight.
In the last eight rounds, they’ll face World Cup favorites Argentina, which will be their biggest challenge. They produced an outstanding result against the USA and will look forward to performing well against Lionel Messi’s side and making it to the final four.
Netherlands Probable Starting XI (3-4-1-2) :
Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, De Roon, F De Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Depay
Bench:
Bijlow, Pasveer, Frimpong, Malacia, De Ligt, De Vrij, Taylor, Koopmeiners, Berghuis, Bergwijn, Janssen, Lang, Simons, L De Jong, Weghorst
Argentina vs. Netherlands Match Facts :
* Location: Al Daayen, Qatar
* Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium
* Date: 9 December, Friday
* Kick-off Time: 19:00 GMT / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT
Conclusion :
Often criticized for his boring style, Van Gaal is silencing his haters so far by winning games and would like to continue this against Argentina, who are one of the favorites to win the World Cup, so that it will be the most formidable challenge for the Dutch team so far.
On the other hand, the South American side knows a thing or two about beating them, and they will look forward to making it to the final four, one step closer to the glory.
In the last eight rounds, they’ll face World Cup favorites Argentina, which will be their biggest challenge. They produced an outstanding result against the USA and will look forward to performing well against Lionel Messi’s side and making it to the final four.
