The Netherlands are set to take on Argentina in a clash of footballing heavyweights with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.
The Netherlands, who face Argentina next, came together as a team against the USA in the Round of 16 and put in their most composed performance at the tournament. The clash tested their character before the quarters, and Louis van Gaal was happy with what he saw.
While Cody Gakpo’s scoring run ended, Denzel Dumfries took over matters in the attacking third. The wing-back assisted two goals and scored the third in a blistering display. And the Netherlands now await their date against mighty Argentina.
QUARTER-FINAL READY⁉️
🔜 #NEDARG 🇦🇷#NothingLikeOranje #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gr3AUz2spb
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) December 7, 2022
While the Netherlands failed to make it to the Russia edition, they have reached the semi-finals in their last two World Cup appearances. While they reached the final in 2010, the Oranje got beaten by Argentina on penalties in 2014.
As the Netherlands bulldozed their way through against the USMNT, Argentina only survived to win after a late rally from the Australians. The Socceroos refused to wave the white flag despite a Lionel Messi masterclass. The PSG star scored a superb goal in typical fashion, and Julian Alvarez later doubled the lead.
As Argentina seemed destined to secure three points, Craig Goodwin’s deflected strike late in the second half opened the game up. While Australia rallied on, La Albiceleste had goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for the victory.
Australia nearly grabbed an improbable equaliser at the death. However, Martinez was on hand to save teenager Garang Kuol’s close-range strike. That moment kept their dream alive, and Argentina will be pumped for their encounter with the Netherlands for a place in the semi-finals.
Team News & Tactics
The Netherlands
Louis van Gaal had to deal with a few minor problems with his squad, although he could have a fully fit side ahead of the Argentina clash. After failing to train, Stefan de Vrij was doubtful, but he has since returned to their preparation for the game.
Working towards a BIG matchday! ⚔️#NothingLikeOranje #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cU671VhCg9
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) December 7, 2022
The defender is unlikely to challenge the established order of van Gaal’s back three. Jurien Timber, Virgil van Dijk, and Nathan Ake are the preferred centre-backs under the Netherlands head coach. Matthijs de Ligt and de Vrij are likely to remain on the bench.
There was also good news with Jeremie Frimpong, who has shrugged off an ankle problem to return to full training. He also featured on the bench against the USA. The right-back is unlikely to dislodge Dumfries from his position, as van Gaal could name an unchanged lineup.
Frenkie de Jong and Marten de Roon will remain in the double midfield pivot. Davy Klaassen will play the advanced role ahead of the duo and support the front two of Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Noppert, Timber, van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, de Roon, de Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Depay, Gakpo
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni will have a few critical decisions ahead of the Netherlands game. Papu Gomez suffered from a sprained ankle, but he could return to the squad. Similarly, Angel Di Maria, who missed the Australia clash, should also return to fitness.
#SelecciónMayor Nueva jornada de trabajos para los dirigidos por @lioscaloni.
¡Vamos todos juntos! 💪🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/KUPakDyE7D
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) December 7, 2022
There are question marks over Di Maria’s involvement from the start, after Julian Alvarez’s terrific displays in the last couple of games. Gomez could start in his position, or Scaloni could involve Di Maria and the Manchester City man alongside Messi.
Messi started the previous game in the centre-forward role, as Lautaro Martinez struggles for relevance. Scaloni switched the plan for the Australia game, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister providing ample midfield security.
The backline could remain intact, with Marcos Acuna and Nahuel Molina likely to retain their full-back roles. Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero are the preferred central defensive pairing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, Messi, Gomez
Key Stats
- The Netherlands are undefeated in their last 18 matches in the FIFA World Cup.
- The Netherlands have kept a clean sheet in their last three home matches against Argentina in all competitions.
- The Netherlands are undefeated in their last six matches against Argentina in all competitions.
- Argentina have won their last three matches in the FIFA World Cup.
- Argentina have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in the FIFA World Cup.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
LEO MESSI SCORES HIS FIRST WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT GOAL 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/9VuhTDUC5t
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 3, 2022
Messi is the star attraction in any game of a World Cup, and that is not about to change when Argentina take on the Netherlands. The only difference here is that the PSG star has finally broken his hoodoo of not scoring in the knockout rounds since he made his debut in the tournament.
His goal against Australia was one of quality and precision. The strike also gives him the confidence to lead Argentina in their quest to reach the semi-finals. Messi will remain the man in focus, and fans expect another star showing from the superstar in the quarter-finals.
Prediction
Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (Argentina to win on penalties)
The Netherlands have shown plenty of character on the attacking side of the pitch, but their defence is still leaky. Despite a good outing against USMNT, the mighty Oranje could not manage a clean sheet, which Argentina could exploit.
There is no reason to point out Argentina’s attacking prowess, with Lionel Messi leading the line and Julian Alvarez in support. They, too, are a bit suspect at the back, and this game points to plenty of goals before full-time and extra time.
Argentina remain favourites to defeat the Netherlands on penalties, with Emiliano Martinez likely to play a crucial role in the shootout. La Albiceleste will then face the winner of the game between Croatia and Brazil, which will be played earlier on Friday.
