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In a blockbuster quarter-final lineup, many people have Netherlands vs Argentina as the pick of the bunch. The game pits Lionel Messi and co against a dutch side who have quietly gone about their businesses in an efficient way throughout the tournament.
Managed by Managerial legend, Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands have blended youth and experience to sweep away every team they have faced thus far. Argentina, on the other hand, have had to overcome a nightmare start where they lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening group game and have looked better and better with each passing game.
The winner of the clash will face off against the winners of the day’s earlier game between Brazil and Croatia in a monumental semi-final next Tuesday.
Team news
Netherlands
The Netherlands have been blessed with a clean bill of health throughout the tournament and that is set to continue here. Louis van Gaal has deployed a back five in every game at the World Cup so far so it would be a surprise to see him change tactics here, especially when you consider the attacking talent available to Argentina.
Dumfries, who received a kiss on the head from his manager after their last 16 victory over Australia, will start at right wing-back while the ever-reliable Daley Blind will start at left wing-back. The three centre backs, Timber, Van Dijk and Ake, also seem to pick themselves.
The key decision for Louis van Gaal revolves around what he does with his midfield and forward line. While Cody Gakpo will surely play after his goalscoring exploits throughout the tournament, the manager has to decide whether to pair him with Memphis Depay or Steven Bergwijn. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is a shoo-in but the other two spots are up for grabs.
There is also, of course, the possibility that the Lionel Messi factor results in van Gaal tearing up his winning formula and adopting a brand new system to combat the world’s greatest-ever player.
Argentina
Argentina, on the other hand, aren’t quite as fortunate and do have a couple of injury concerns. Angel di Maria missed their round of 16 clash with Australia with a thigh injury but has returned to training in recent days and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
That will be a relief to Argentina boss, Lionel Scaloni, as his replacement for that game, Papu Gomez, was forced off with an ankle in that injury in the match against Australia. His fitness is set to be assessed right up to the start of the game.
Lautaro Martinez is another member of the Argentinian squad who is reportedly nursing an injury. His agent has come out in recent days to say that his client has been playing through injury throughout the tournament but he isn’t expected to start regardless.
The biggest decision for Scaloni relates to his formation. Although he prefers a back four, he may be tempted to switch to a back five to match up with the Dutch system. This would mean introducing Lisandro Martinez, who many people in Argentina believe should be starting anyway, to the starting eleven.
Predicted lineups
Netherlands
Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, Blind, De Jong, De Roon, Klaassen, Gakpo, Depay
Argentina
Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
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