The Netherlands will be bidding to book a place in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals when they lock horns with Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Friday evening.
The Men in Orange beat the United States 3-1 in the round of 16, setting up a showdown with Argentina in the quarter-finals of the competition. The last time the two nations met was in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals when Argentina beat the Dutch side on penalties to secure a place in the final.
So, Louis van Gaal and co. will have revenge in their minds when they take the field against the South American champions.
Netherlands Team News
The Netherlands have no injury concerns ahead of the big encounter against Argentina, with head coach Louis van Gaal expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-1-2 formation.
Predicted Netherlands Lineup vs Argentina (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Andries Noppert entered the World Cup as a rookie but has performed like an experienced campaigner for the Netherlands. The lanky shot-stopper will have to be at his best to keep a clean sheet against an in-form Argentina side.
Defence
Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake will form the three-man backline for the Oranje. Van Dijk will marshal his troops from the back, with Timber and Ake starting on either side of their skipper. The trio have to function well throughout the 90 minutes to stop Lionel Messi and co. on Friday.
Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij and Tyrell Malacia will provide cover for the defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong and Martin de Roon will resume their central midfield partnership, hoping to dictate the tempo of play, as well as disrupt Argentina’s rhythm. The duo of De Jong and De Roon will hope to get the better of Argentina’s midfielders and engineer meaningful opportunities for the forwards in the final third.
Denzel Dumfries will come into this match full of confidence after his terrific display against the USA, scoring once and providing a pair of assists. He will take the right wing-back spot, while Daley Blind aims to catch the eye from the other flank.
Attack
Davy Klaassen should act as the link between the midfield and the attack. Operating from the No.10 role, the Ajax star must try exploiting the spaces behind the Argentina backline with his off-the-ball movement and incisive passing.
Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay must form the Netherlands’ two-pronged attack. With their acceleration, movement and creativity, the Dutch duo can cause problems for Lionel Scaloni’s side. The likes of Wout Weghorst, Steven Bergwijn and Steven Berghuis could get opportunities to impact the game in the second half.