Netherlands vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Netherlands vs Argentina Match Prediction & Analysis

What a tie to kick off the Quarter Finals at this World Cup.

After some sensational group games and tense Round of 16 clashes, the big guns finally start to meet one another. For the Netherlands and Argentina, they can cement they status as contenders or face the exit door.

Netherlands have quietly progressed to this stage without ever looking like genuine tournament favourites. You write them off at your peril, of course. Louis van Gaal is a wily manager and his players are hungry for success.

There is plenty of quality among the squad, and they will fancy their chances against a defence that has looked shaky despite not playing a team of great stature yet.

Argentina are moving towards the business end of this World Cup without having ever clicked fully into gear. They have had a good half of football here and there, although they are very reliant on Messi, of course.

Indeed, without Messi, you wonder if this team would have progressed from the group stage, or even reached the World Cup to begin with. As it stands, they have a great chance of reaching the final four.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Netherlands Preview

FIFA Ranking: 8

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have a more well-rounded team than Argentina

     Can qualify for their fourth World Cup Semi Final

Reasons to be fearful:

     Were beaten by Argentina in the 2014 World Cup Semis

     Can they keep Messi quiet?

For Louis van Gaal, this is likely to be his last stint in management, especially at international level with the Netherlands. He won’t want to go out with a whimper.

He leads his team into this game on the back of a 19-match unbeaten run, stretching back to when he returned to the job just over a year ago. 

This is their fourth Quarter Final appearance from the last five World Cups and progressed to the last four on two of those occasions, in 2010 and 2014. 

This is a Netherlands side that has been efficient rather than spectacular at times, although with the players at their disposal, they’ll be a worry for every team they play. It’ll be a task keeping Gakpo and Depay quiet for 90 minutes.

Star Man – Cody Gakpo

His scoring streak ending in their 3-1 victory over the USA, but his power and finishing abilities will unsettle the Argentina defence here.

Argentina Preview

FIFA Ranking: 3

Predicted Finish: Semi Finals

Reasons to be cheerful

     Bidding to reach their fifth Semi Final

     Messi, Alvarez and Mac Allister are clicking upfront

Reasons to be fearful

     Fitness concern over Rodrigo de Paul

     Can defence cope with Netherlands’ quality?

Where there is Messi, there is hope.

That will be the thought that Argentina cling onto while they remain at this tournament. If they can feed the ball into their talisman, there is always a chance he can win the game for them.

With three goals in this tournament, plus a couple of excellent performances recently, he is showing glimpses of his enduring quality at this level. He needs more from those around him for Argentina to go all the way.

Against the Netherlands, they will face the best team they have come up against so far, by a long way. The Dutch have a number of talented playmakers and goalscorers who will test the Albiceleste’s defence to the max.

There is a fitness concern regarding Rodrigo de Paul, who would be a huge miss in midfield if he isn’t available here. His drive and determination in midfield has been key in Argentina’s last couple of games

Star Man – Lionel Messi

To play in, and score during, your 1000th career game is a phenomenal achievement. That goal set Argentina on their way to a narrow in over Australia, and you feel that they will need more Messi magic here.