The Netherlands will be back in action today against World Cup favorites Argentina in the quest for the last 4 spot in the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Netherlands eliminated the USA in a 3-1 win at the round of 16 to earn the quarter-final ticket and on the other hand, Argentina beat a stubborn 2-1 to qualify
Heading to this match, Luis Van gal has no injuries and he is expected to name the same Netherlands squad that beat the USA while Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni discussed reports that Rodrigo De Paul and Ángel Di María were doubts about the game.
“De Paul trained yesterday, as did Di María. Sometimes, players who have played before will only complete half of the training. We will see today if they are able to play or not.” He said
Match stats
Luis Van gal’s side is on a 19-game unbeaten run
Argentina has recovered steadily from an early setback against Saudi Arabia.
7-time Ballon D’or winner in Messi has played against the Dutch at two previous world cups
Head to head
The two teams have met five times on the greatest stages and the most interesting meetings are;
when the two nations first locked horns at the 1974 finals, with a Johan Cruyff double helping the Netherlands to a 4-0 group-stage victory. Four years later they were reunited in the World Cup final, only this time Argentina won 3-1 after extra time to lift the trophy on home soil.
In 1998 the Oranje went through to the semi-finals thanks to Dennis Bergkamp’s legendary goal in the 89th minute. The sides shared a goalless draw in the group stage in Germany in 2006, but eight years later La Albiceleste had the upper hand in the most recent encounter as Messi and Co edged the semi-final tie on penalties.
Possible lineups
Netherlands
Noppert (GK), Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay.
Argentina
Martínez(GK), Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi; Di María, Álvarez.
Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz will take charge of Netherlands-Argentina on Friday 9th December 2022 at 10:00 PM
The game will be played at the Lusail stadium.
