When Louis van Gaal’s team plays Argentina in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, Netherlands defender Timber will have the difficult chore of attempting to contain perhaps the best footballer in the world.
Messi, who scored three goals for Argentina in Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022, put on a masterful performance as the Albiceleste defeated Australia 2-1 on Saturday. One of the main questions in the Opta Challenge, below, is whether Messi will score once more.
Friday’s highly anticipated quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar is also a rematch of some of the best games, continuing Lionel Messi’s quest for his first World Cup.
Argentina vs Netherlands: Quarter-final Highlights
Messi makes no errors as he takes a single step and drives the ball past a stranded Noppert to make it 2-0.
Molina gives Argentina the lead, but Messi’s handprints are all over this accomplishment.
The small No. 10 finds his right-back with a beautifully disguised pass behind a crowded Dutch defense. The defender does well to grab the pass and drag it in front of him before slipping by Noppert, who is closing in quickly.
The entire Lusail Stadium explodes.
How to watch the quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Argentina in the 2022 World Cup on Friday, December 9. In the round of 16, Argentina defeated Poland 2-0, while the Netherlands defeated the United States 3-1.
The two teams will meet for the first time since the 2014 World Cup semifinal, which the Argentines won on penalties. For the first time, Lionel Messi is attempting to win the World Cup.
Argentina vs Netherlands Score
| Time | Team | Score | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:12 AM | Argentina | 2(4)-2(3) | Netherlands | 9th Dec at Lusail Iconic Stadium |
Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad
Argentina Football Team
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez |
| Defenders | Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nocolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Juan Foyth. |
| Midfielders | Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes. |
| Forwards | Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa, Angel Di Maria. |
| Captain | Lionel Messi |
| Coach | Lionel Scaloni |
Netherlands 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad
Netherlands Football Team
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Remko Pasveer, Justin Bijlow, Andries Noppert. |
| Defenders | Jurriën Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Stefan de Vrij, Tyrell Malacia, Daley Blind, Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong. |
| Midfielders | Davy Klaassen, Marten de Roon, Teun Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, Kenneth Taylor, Xavi Simons. |
| Forwards | Steven Bergwijn, Cody Gakpo, Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, Noa Lang, Vincent Janssen, Wout Weghorst. |
| Captain | Virgil van Dijk |
| Head Coach | Louis Van Gaal |
