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Match preview
For the sixth time in World Cup history, Netherlands and Argentina will go head-to-head.
Argentina prevailed in the 1978 final and when they last clashed in the semi-finals eight years ago.
Netherlands meantime came out on top in 1974 and 1998, but who will move one step closer to glory in Lusail?
Holland kicked off the knockout stages on Saturday, proving to be simply too strong for the United States.
Memphis and then Daley Blind slotted home in the first half before the other wing-back, Denzel Dumfires, sealed the 3-1 victory late on.
Louis van Gaal led Oranje to the World Cup semi-finals in 2014 and, across three spells, is unbeaten in 36 competitive internationals, dating back to 2001.
Back then, la Albiceleste’s dreams were shattered by Germany so, this time, they’re doubly determined to go all the way.
In the round of 16, Lionel Scaloni’s side ousted surprise-package Australia 2-1 with Lionel Messi, who else, and then Julián Álvarez on target at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
The reigning Copa América winners genuinely believe that this is their time, even if fierce rivals Brazil, potentially, lie in wait in the semi-finals.
Before then of course, an extremely tough to call quarter-final that promises to be a classic.
Don’t be surprised if this clash at Lusail Iconic Stadium goes the distance.
Netherlands team news
Louis van Gaal has settled on a back three shape, and his XI could remain unchanged from Saturday’s win.
Goalkeeper Andries Noppert is certainly one of the stories of this tournament.
He made his international debut in their opener against Senegal and, despite being 28, has made just 51 senior appearances in his club career.
In defence, Jurriën Timber will keep his place at right-centre-back, chosen over Matthijs de Ligt or Stefan de Vrij.
Frenkie de Jong will win his 50th cap at the base of midfield, with Marten de Roon and Davy Klaassen likely to be chosen over Teun Koopmeiners alongside.
Cody Gakpo scored in all three group games, while Memphis, who has 43 international goals to his name, was an unused substitute when these two last met.
Daley Blind is the only player who started that night at Arena Corinthians likely to do so in orange here.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Timber, van Dijk, Aké; Dumfries, de Jong, de Roon, Klaasen, Blind; Memphis, Gakpo.
Argentina team news
Rodrigo De Paul and Papu Gómez picked up injuries in the win over Australia and, if either were sidelined here, that would be a big blow.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández’s form has seen him earned a starting spot, displacing Leandro Paredes, alongside De Paul.
Likewise, Ángel Di María, who scored the winner in last summer’s Copa América Final, has been usurped by Alexis Mac Allister in the pecking order out-wide.
At the back, Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi remain Lionel Scaloni’s first-choice pairing, with Lisandro Martínez missing out.
This’ll be Emi Martínez’s 24th appearance for Argentina and, to date, he’s conceded just eight goals.
After scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal at the weekend, Lionel Messi will be hoping to net against the Netherlands for the very first time.
Julián Álvarez, who got the other on Saturday, will lead the line, chosen over Lautaro Martínez, who’s out of form.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Papu Gómez; Messi, Álvarez.
Netherlands vs Argentina: Head to head statistics
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World Cup quarter-final results & fixtures
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