FIFA WC 2022 | Netherlands vs Argentina Preview & prediction | H2H | Line-up

The Netherlands will take on Argentina in the quarter-final match in Lusail's iconic stadium, Qatar. The Netherlands defeated the United States 3-1, thanks to goals from Dumfries, Depay, and Blind.

 while Argentina beat Australia 2-1 on the strength of goals from Leo Messi and Julian Alvarez to send the boys through the last eight. It set up a scintillating fixture between Netherlands and Argentina.

The head-to-head record between the Netherlands and Argentina

This match has been played five times in the last 12 World Cups, with Europe taking on South America and some of the biggest names going head-to-head for their national teams.

Johan Cruyff, Mario Kempes, and Dennis Bergkamp provided some historical moments, with the latter scoring a memorable goal in the 1988 World Cup.

However, the most famous meeting between the two nations came in Argentina's 3-1 final win over the Netherlands in 1978 in Buenos Aires to clinch the first World Cup title.

Recent meetings have provided a stalemate, and in 2014, Argentina edged out the Netherlands on penalties.

As per Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal, they have a "score to settle" for what happened "two World Cups ago."

The face-off between the Netherlands and Argentina

Their last meeting (2006 and 2014) produced a stalemate, with Bergkamp’s goal being the last competitive goal scored in 1998 in this fixture.

Kempes and Cyruff are the two other scorers in the World Cup, with two each.

What Happened in the Group Stages and the Round of 16?

The Netherlands won two matches and drew one against Senegal, Qatar, and Ecuador. Cody Gakpo scored during the match. He has three goals to his name. In the last round of 16 against the high-flying USA, the Dutch won 3-1 with goals from Depay,  Dumfries, and Blind. Dumfries was the man of the match, as he provided two assists and scored a goal.

Argentina, on the other hand, was paired with Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. Argentina began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to spirited Saudi Arabia. Despite Leo Messi scoring from the spot-kick, he couldn’t save his team from the loss. However, in the matches against Mexico and Poland, Argentina won comfortably (2-0), with Messi scoring in the match against Mexico. Messi and Alverez scored against Australia in the quarterfinals. They conceded a goal on Enzo’s own goal to make the score 2-1. Leo Messi has three goals in total, and he would be looking to add to his tally to catch up to Kylian Mbappe.

Netherlands vs Argentina Team news

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal had everyone fit for the round of 16 win over the USA, and that should be the case for Friday, too. He is expected to name the same starting lineup.

 Argentina has concerns over winger Angel Di Maria. He missed the win over Australia because of a thigh injury and is doubtful to face the Dutch. Papu Gomez came off against Australia with an ankle sprain and is also in doubt.

Netherlands vs Argentina Possible starting XIs

• Netherlands: Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind, Klaassen; Gakpo, Memphis
• Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria or Gomez, Alvarez, Messi
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Netherlands vs Argentina: Date, kickoff time, and venue

• Who: Netherlands vs. Argentina
• What: FIFA World Cup quarterfinal
• When: Friday, December 9, 2022
• Where: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen
• Kick-off time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Where to Watch: 1) India: Jio Cinemas or Sports 18

                                       2) BBC One and iPlayer in the United Kingdom

Netherlands vs Argentina Predictions

The last two World Cups have produced stalemates (0-0), and it isn't expected to change, so Lionel Scaloni's men would be relying on their penalty-takers to bring the firepower to set up a meeting with Brazil or Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.

The Dutch are Argentina's "most skilled" opponent in Qatar. The Dutch possess Gakpo,  Depay, Frenkie De Jong, and Virgil Van Dijk to spoil the party for Lionel Messi's last World Cup match. Expect Messi or Depay to show the brilliance of their magic in the match.

Argentina will be led by Lionel Messi, Julian Alverez, and Lautoro Martinez. Martinez has struggled to score, but he is expected to start. Alvarez has already scored two goals, so Scaloni will be expecting him to score.