Having swept the Stars and Stripes aside, the Flying Dutchmen are back against two-time World Cup champions, Argentina, for a spot in the semi-finals. Netherlands vs. Argentina kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Friday, December 9, at Lusail Stadium.
The Netherlands swept the USA aside in a 3-1 win on Saturday for a third consecutive appearance at the quarter-finals of the World Cup having failed to feature in 2018. After cruising into the third round, the three-time runners-up [1974, 1978, & 2010] are now set to face their toughest test yet in Qatar, with Argentina vying for a spot in the semi-finals as favorites. It will be the sixth World Cup meeting between both sides, but a fine record against the White & Sky Blue leaves Louis van Gaal and his side unfazed. - With the squad even granted some quality time on a yacht out at sea ahead of the highly anticipated clash. The Netherlands have lost only once in nine meetings with the White & Sky Blue across all competitions [4W, 4D, & 1L], - a dated defeat recorded more than four decades ago at the 1978 World Cup final. The Netherlands are not only without defeat in five games, WWDWW, but also unbeaten in 2022 and in 19 games under Louis van Gaal [14W, 5D, & 0L]. Furthermore, Oranje has advanced past the quarterfinals in each of their previous three appearances at the third round [1998, 2010, & 2014]. "We still have a score to settle," Louis van Gaal said, referring to his side's elimination from the 2014 World Cup on penalties by Argentina during his second stint with the Flying Dutchmen. The 3—4—1—2 with Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo is expected to remain in place, with both forwards in fine World Cup form.
La Albiceleste put the Socceroos in their place following a 2-1 win after goals from Lionel Messi (35’) and Julián Álvarez (57’). Argentina are now looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since finishing as runners-up at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, since the defeat to Uruguay in 1930, Argentina's last nine eliminations at the FIFA World Cup knockout phase have come from European opposition. A win for Argentina [WLWWW] will see them reach the semi-finals for only a third time since the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Lautaro Martínez is yet to score or assist and expected to remain on the bench, with Scaloni poised to keep the 4—3—3, having Lionel Messi playing the false nine. Julián Álvarez remains favorite for the right, while Ángel Di María or Papu Gómez could be on the left. The victor will take on either Brazil or Croatia in a semi-final clash on December 13.
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