Messi’s last push for World Cup glory continues with a tricky tie against the on-form Netherlands. It will be the sixth time in World Cup history that Argentina faces off with the Dutch, the last clash in the 2014 World Cup semis going Argentina’s way.
Who will move one step closer to glory in Lusail when they meet on Friday, December 9 at 10 pm (EAT)?
Netherlands Review and Team News
The Netherlands kicked off their World Cup campaigns with relatively easy fixtures against Senegal, Ecuador, and host Qatar, winning two and drawing with Ecuador. In the Round of 16, they blew away the United States with a 3-1 win.
With no fresh injury worries, Van Gaal could rely on the same team that got the job done vs the US. goalkeeper Andries Noppert will look to continue with his Cinderella story and make a semifinal appearance on his World Cup debut. At 28, he has only made 51 senior club appearances and earned his first international cap against Senegal. In defence, Nathan Ake, Jurriën Timber, and Virgil van Dijk complete the three-man defence.
Frenkie de Jong will win his 50th cap if he starts against Argentina. In attack, the Dutch will look to Cody Gakpo, who has three goals so far, and Memphis Depay.
Argentina Review and Team News
The last time Argentina met the Netherlands, la Albiceleste ended the Dutch’s 36-game unbeaten run via a penalty shootout. Then their dreams were shattered by Germany, leading to Messi retiring from international football two years later after another final heartbreak in Copa America.
He later rescinded his decision, led the Argentinians to their first international title since 1993, and will now be hoping to lead them to glory on football’s greatest stage.
While many people had questioned Messi’s contribution to the team during the group-stage games which included a surprise defeat against Saudi Arabia, he scored the opening goal and inspired the team to a 2-1 win over Australia. It was his first-ever World Cup knockout goal and he will be hoping to score against the Netherlands also for the very first time.
But they could be without Rodrigo De Paul and Papu Gómez against the Netherlands, as the pair picked up injuries in the Round of 16 win. Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez could join Messi in attack, usurping out-of-form Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martínez respectively.
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This is an extremely tough call to make.
Do you think Messi will take one step closer to cementing his GOAT status? Or do you think Van Gaal’s “effective football” will carry the day? Who do you put your money on?
Or stand and be counted among the Oranjes.
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