The wait is over, and the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup start tonight. Argentina will face the Netherlands in tonight’s second match. Both teams are confident in going to the semi-final. However, Argentina eliminated the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Brazil World Cup in 2014. Therefore, today’s game is a great chance for Holland to take revenge.
Team News
For the last few days, many rumors have been spread about Argentina. Inevitably, the fans became tense when Rodrigo De Paul did not attend a training session. Many reports claimed that De Paul would not play for Argentina against the Netherlands.
However, Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni clarified all the rumors. During the press conference, the manager said, “In principle, yesterday’s training was behind closed doors, so I don’t know how they know something is wrong with Rodrigo. It’s very strange. And with this you know what I mean.”
Furthermore, Angel Di Maria was injured and missed the match against Australia. However, he has been trying hard to get back into the starting XI. He trained with the squad and now is ready to play against the Netherlands. But Marcos Acuna is in doubt. He got a knock during the match against the Socceroos. If he can’t make it to get back, Tagliafico will replace him.
On Holland’s side, the manager is expected to get a full squad fit. They have no injury concerns. Moreover, Steven Bergwijn got some minutes against the USA. He replaced Davy Klaassen at half-time during the match against the USA.
The possible lineup for Argentina:
E Martinez; Romero, Otamendi, Molina, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister/Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez.
The possible lineup for the Netherlands:
Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay.
Louis Van Gaal’s thoughts
The Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal said that the Netherlands would have the advantage if the match goes to the penalty shootout. He said, If we have to get to penalties, I think maybe now we are at an advantage. I think it’s going to be a very tactical game. I think Argentina is one of the best teams in the world but the Netherlands have something to compete with.”
