Argentina vs Netherlands: Can Lionel Messi take La Selección one step closer?
Argentina vs Netherlands is one of the most played games in World Cup history.
The fixture has featured five times in the last 12 World Cups, with the most recent affair occurring in the 2014 semi-final.
After 120 minutes and a 0-0 draw, Argentina came out on top, winning 4-2 on penalties.
Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal was in charge of the Dutch that day, and he may view this as an opportunity to get one back over his South American opponents.
“I don’t like it that Angel said that, it’s a pity,” said Van Gaal.
“But sometimes a head coach has to take decisions that don’t always end well.”
The World Cup has been an understated success so far for de Oranje and come into the game brimming with confidence after making relatively easy work of the USA with a 3-1 victory in the Round of 16.
Denzel Dumfries was the star man for the Dutch against the US, providing two assists and the third goal.
They will be hoping that the fullback can continue his rich form going forward and keep Argentina’s dangerous attack quiet.
Striker Cody Gakpo wasn’t on the scoresheet against the USA.
But the PSV youngster has three goals already this tournament and will hope to add more against Argentina tomorrow.
Argentina Form
As for Argentina, they may have finally found their best midfield solution at the perfect time.
Leandro Paredes had his issues in their opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia, and Guido Rodriguez was deployed to little effect in the 2-0 win over Mexico.
Lionel Scaloni got it right on the third attempt.
The manager opted for Enzo Fernandez against Poland, playing him alongside Rodrigo de Paul.
The decision worked a treat as the Benfica man put in a commanding performance, providing the assist for Julian Alvarez’s opener in the 2-0 win.
Despite being credited with an own goal against Australia in the last round, Fernandes continued to impress and could play an important role against The Netherlands.
Another bonus for Argentina is that Angel Di Maria is available again after a knock kept him out of the game against Australia.
Of course, the South Americans will look to their talisman Lionel Messi, who is looking to end his international career on a high by bringing the World Cup back to Argentina.
The PSG star has impressed in the tournament and grabbed an all-important goal against Australia to help his side progress.
All in all, this game is set up to be a very intriguing one, and the world will be watching to see whether many people’s greatest ever player can keep his side on the path to the one prize that has evaded him.
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