This article is sponsored by VK77, a Trusted & Reliable Online Casino in Singapore. Sign up with our sponsor VK77, using our referral link: http://vk77.com/?ref=astatine9. Watch live content at vk77.live or on their telegram channel https://t.me/vk77live
Another match, another anticipated rivalry between the Netherlands and Argentina will take place at Lusail Stadium on Friday with a spot in the semifinals of the World Cup at stake.
Virgil van Dijk was adamant that the Netherlands’ World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina on Friday wasn’t a battle of him against Lionel Messi, but added that his team would still be cautious in their strategy against the Argentina superstar.
The Dutch skipper stayed on message while fielding a flurry of questions about how the Netherlands will deal with the threat of Messi at the Lusail Stadium: it will be a team effort.
The Dutch were the first to book their place in the last eight, beating the USA 3-1 in the Round of 16 as Louis Van Gaal’s men are unbeaten so far in this competition, collecting seven points from their first three fixtures to top Group A.
Julian Alvarez will hope he’s done enough to keep his place in the Argentina side as they face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The Manchester City striker started the first two matches of the tournament on the bench, but got the nod against Poland and Australia and scored on each occasion. Lautaro Martinez came on against the Socceroos and missed a host of late chances, with that cameo unlikely to win him his place back.
Angel Di Maria missed the last-16 but that was believed to just be a precaution, and he could well return to face the Netherlands with Papu Gomez, who sprained his ankle against Australia, probably the one to drop out.
The centre-back duo of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero is clearly Lionel Scaloni’s preferred pairing, so Lisandro Martinez is expected to once again be on the bench.
Lionel Messi has three goals so far in Qatar, carrying Argentina and its team through almost single-handedly at times, and once again, it won’t be when he’s at his best. Which is a testament to his skills and experience in the sport.
There are no new injury concerns for the Netherlands however, with Louis van Gaal not a man to deviate too much from his formula so there should not be major changes.
Memphis Depay now looks up to full speed again and has formed a dangerous partnership up front with Cody Gakpo, while Davy Klaassen is the favourite to again start behind them.
Denzel Dumfries will come into this match full of confidence after his last-16 display against the USA, scoring once and providing two assists. That performance earned him a kiss from Van Gaal in the post-match press conference.
The back three should remain unchanged, with Jurrien Timber evidently trusted more than Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch are eager to achieve something great and win a World Cup especially after losing in three finals.
“There is a hunger, dreams and a feeling that we really want to get it [the World Cup],” Van Dijk said. “When you are in the quarterfinals you are only three games from glory.
“This is our opportunity. But obviously we have to get past an Argentina side with one of the best players of all time.”
The Dutch also face the possibility of the majority of the 80,000-odd crowd cheering on Argentina as a surprisingly small number of orange-clad Netherlands supporters have travelled.
Usually, the Netherlands get significant support on the road but without them, Van Dijk believes an early goal might be important to quiet the opposing fans.
“Then it becomes a whole different game,” Van Dijk said. “But I think it will be nice to play in such an ambiance.”
This article is sponsored by VK77, a Trusted & Reliable Online Casino in Singapore. Sign up with our sponsor VK77, using our referral link: http://vk77.com/?ref=astatine9. Watch live content at vk77.live or on their telegram channel https://t.me/vk77live
