Netherlands vs Argentina preview
The sixth chapter of the epic Argentina and Netherlands World Cup rivalry will be written when these two footballing royalties take the field on Friday at the Lusail Iconic Stadium to compete for a spot in the last four of the men’s World Cup in Qatar.
Shellshocked by the Saudis on matchday one, Argentina’s tournament ever since has been one driven by reparation and atonement, in guidance of the Lionels, Messi and Scaloni. With his two moments of rejuvenation, the former has inspired his team when they were in dire need of it, and the latter has reeled in the necessary selection changes, such as the increased involvement of Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, after the first game.
The latest stressor in Argentina’s hanging-by-the-edge campaign appeared against the Socceroos in the quarterfinals, after Fernández’s own goal in the 77th minute snatched La Albiceleste’s cushion, and sent them into a frenzy of fright for the remainder of the game. Things could have been worse if it was not for Lisandro Martínez’s last-ditch tackle.
Given the hype with which they arrived at the World Cup, in plain footballing terms, La Albiceleste have underperformed and failed to grace the levels that were expected of them. Barring the win against Poland, Scaloni’s side has merely done the bare minimum to push through to the next round.
This, however, can be a good thing in tournament football but only when coupled with a gradual improvement in the team’s performance as the competition heats up. And while Scaloni’s team haven’t capitulated under the burden of pressure, the time has now come for them to elevate their standard, or otherwise the Dutch would inevitably hand them their fourth defeat in their last five World Cup quarterfinals.
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Meanwhile, the Netherlands, who haven’t lost a men’s World Cup quarterfinal since 1994, would enter this tie with the mission to avenge their 2014 semifinal on penalties to La Albiceleste.
Van Gaal hasn’t forgotten about the 2014 semis yet 😤#OnsOranje #Messi #FIFAWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/kRXbNmR67u
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) December 7, 2022
Unremarkable but unscathed in the group stages, Louis van Gaal’s side levelled up in the Round of 16. To reach the fourth quarterfinal in their last five World Cup outings, the Oranje properly outsmarted and schooled the Yanks by setting up on the counter, letting the USA run themselves to the ground,…
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