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‘We have an unfinished business before two World Cups. Lionel Messi is a dangerous player. But if he loses the ball, he can’t do anything.’ – Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has definite plans. Argentina, which are approaching the quarter-finals, are worried about Van Gaal’s tactics. The 71-year-old knows exactly which game to fall back on when needed. Van Gaal also suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat to Messi and his team in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. The match is at 12:30 at Lusail Stadium.
Messi is the energy of Argentina. No move is complete without knowing the 35-year-old’s feet on the pitch. This time it’s a great performance. He scored three goals. He paved the way for one. He has appeared as a savior at all critical moments. Against the Dutchman, Lionel Scoloni and his team put their hopes on those magical shoes. The presence and strength of Rodrigo De Paul in midfield. De Paul is the midfielder with the most passes in this World Cup: 380. The 28-year-old, who also plays in defence, is Argentina’s weapon to tame the Netherlands, filling the pitch in European style. Angel Di Maria, who hasn’t recovered his fitness, is likely to go out today.
The Dutch, who arrive at the World Cup after eight and a half years, have only one goal. The title has been lost in the last three times. The style of play is to attack from all sides. There is Kod Gakpo as central striker. The 23-year-old can stop the Argentine defense from breaking a sweat. And there’s Memphis Depay. Denzel Dumfries and Daly Blind will be a headache on the flanks as the Dutch have won four of their nine previous meetings. Argentina has won only one.
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