In the second quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup – scheduled for Friday at 8:00 p.m, Argentina will face the Netherlands who want to erase the memory of their defeat in the 2014 semifinals.
For probably his last World Cup, Lionel Messi has shown there’s still some dynamite in his boots with 3 goals so far. But arguably the world’s greatest player has no choice. There’s no room for error this time.
Argentina will challenge the Dutch who seem to be slowly gaining momentum after a less than enthusiastic start to the competition. The Oranje coach Louis van Gaal can now count on Memphis Depay whose physical condition has improved significantly over the tournament.
In Qatar, it will mainly be a question of revenge. The Albiceleste eliminated the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paulo (0-0, 4-2 on penalties).
In addition to a ticket for the semi-finals, the two selections will compete for supremacy in what is considered a true World Cup classic with a perfect balanced sheet (two wins for each side for five draws).
Messi undoubtedly remains the key man in this clash. In each of the four games he played in this World Cup, the PSG man has dictated the pace, shown the way, and guided some inexperienced and prolly nervous young players – as it has often been the case. Virgil van Dijk and the Batavians know that they cannot leave him any space.
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The probable composition of Argentina against the Netherlands:
Martínez (GK) – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña or Tagliafico – Paredes, E. Fernández, Mac Allister – A. Correa or Di María, J. Álvarez – Messi.
On the side of the Netherlands, Louis Van Gaal seems to have found his starting XI with the team he put out against the United States. If several minor injuries are kept aside, then the team should line up.this way:
Noppert (GK) – Timber, Van Dijk, Aké – Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind – Klaassen – Gakpo, Depay.
