Group C topper Argentina meets Group A topper Argentina in its FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinal match on December 10 on the Lusail Stadium.
The Netherlands will undoubtedly be Argentina’s largest problem until now within the Qatar World Cup. Both groups have a justifiable share of historical past so far as the World Cup is worried. Argentina beat the Netherlands within the 1978 World Cup remaining to carry its first title. Argentina additionally beat the Netherlands within the 2014 World Cup on penalties within the semifinals.
Louis Van Gaal and his males may have revenge on their minds. Ahead of the match, listed here are three key battles to look ahead to.
Lionel Messi vs Virgil Van Dijk
The Lionel Messi vs Van Dijk face-off is arguably essentially the most mouth-watering battle. The Messi of at this time might not make a mind-numbing run from the flanks, leaving a number of defenders in his wake. Messi realises he doesn’t have the identical pace and agility and operates from the center of the pitch, creating probabilities for the ahead line.
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the opening aim through the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C soccer match between Argentina and Mexico on the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on November 26, 2022.
| Photo Credit: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
However, the Netherlands is the most effective defence Argentina would face in its World Cup run until now, and La Albiceleste may require their wizard to spend extra time within the opponent’s penalty space.
Van Dijk’s towering presence within the field would undoubtedly be one in all Messi’s most difficult obstacles. Van Dijk has been instrumental within the Oranje conceding simply two targets of their 4 matches. Van Dijk has made a powerful 22 recoveries on this World Cup, which speaks volumes about his qualities as a centre-back.
Messi has three targets in 4 matches on this World Cup. Apart from his ending skills, his imaginative and prescient and talent to search out that remaining cross amplify his menace. He has created 10 probabilities for Argentina until now.
Van Dijk vs Messi within the field would make for an intriguing battle. In phrases of physicality, Van Dijk has an higher hand. But all Messi wants is that one good contact to create one thing for his crew or discover the web himself.
Cody Gakpo vs Cristian Romero
Like the Messi vs Van Dijk battle at one finish, the Gakpo vs Romero Romero conflict is equally thrilling. Cristian Romero is the way forward for Argentina’s defence, however there have been doubts over his kind coming into this World Cup attributable to his harm considerations. He wasn’t at his finest in Argentina’s opening-day loss to Saudi Arabia and obtained changed by Lisandro Martinez towards Mexico. But since then, he has performed effectively towards Poland and Australia.
Netherlands ahead Cody Gakpo has been a sizzling matter of debate. Gakpo has caught consideration along with his beautiful ending and good motion, which has helped him rating three targets in 4 matches. One of the breakout stars on this World Cup, Gakpo has been a menace for defenders along with his tempo, aerial prowess and fox-in-the-box skills, which makes it tough to mark him.
So, Romero must summon his A-game with the intention to cease Gakpo from hurting Argentina. Apart from his three targets, Gakpo has created 5 probabilities from open play. In his 340 minutes of playtime, Gakpo has tried six take-ons and enjoys an 83 per cent success price, indicating he isn’t afraid to take gamers on.
Romero is but to unleash his very best. He has recovered from his poor efficiency towards Saudi and put in good shifts within the following match. He has made 10 recoveries within the defensive section of play until now, however coping with an in-form ahead like Gakpo won’t be simple for Romero. Going into the quarterfinal, Gakpo has an edge over Romero.
Rodrigo De Paul vs Frenkie de Jong
It shall be a La-Liga battle in the course of the park as Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul will sq. up towards Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Both are essential components of their crew’s midfield, however their taking part in model is totally different. De Paul likes to cowl large areas throughout the pitch, along with his sole focus being defending the backline and appearing as a medium of transition between the defence and the ahead line. He does have that imaginative and prescient to make defence-splitting passes now and again (like his help to Angel Di Maria within the Copa America 2021 remaining towards Brazil), however his essential focus shall be to win the ball and cease assaults.
De Jong, then again, isn’t a standard defensive midfielder as many categorise him to be. He is a flexible playmaker with work price and is a superb service of the ball. He has in-form forwards in Gakpo and Memphis Depay, which can serve effectively for the Dutch midfielder due to his imaginative and prescient and talent to search out telling passes within the remaining third.
USA’s Giovanni Reyna (L) and Netherlands’ Frenkie De Jong combat for the ball through the Qatar 2022 World Cup spherical of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 3, 2022.
| Photo Credit: AFP/RAUL ARBOLEDA
De Paul has created 4 probabilities from open play and has made 29 recoveries, whereas De Jong has additionally created 4 probabilities and has 26 recoveries. De Jong additionally has a shot and an help to his identify, whereas De Paul is in search of his first aim contribution on this World Cup.
Get all the outcomes for the FIFA World Cup 2022 right here: Full checklist of all matches, scores, outcomes, goalscorers
