Sporstar logo
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Athletics
  • Asia Cup 2023
  • World Cup Schedule 2023
  • US Open 2023
  • Columns
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Athletics
  • Asia Cup 2023
  • World Cup Schedule 2023
  • US Open 2023
  • Columns
MagazineBuy Print
LoginAccountSubscribe

PREMIUM

  • Magazine
  • Posters
  • Columns
  • Special Editions
  • Star Life
  • Statsman

PLAYGROUNDS

  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Kabaddi
  • Archery
  • Tennis
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Chess
  • Hockey
  • Golf
  • Motorsport
  • Shooting
  • Volleyball
  • Squash
  • Table Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Wrestling
  • Badminton
  • Boxing
  • Cue Sport
  • MMA
  • ESPORTS

MULTIMEDIA

  • Videos
  • Gallery
  • Podcast
  • Sportoon

ON STAGE

  • ACES Awards
  • Sportstar Conclave

PREMIUM

  • Magazine
  • Posters
  • Columns
  • Special Editions
  • Star Life
  • Statsman

PLAYGROUNDS

  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Kabaddi
  • Archery
  • Tennis
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Chess
  • Hockey
  • Golf
  • Motorsport
  • Shooting
  • Volleyball
  • Squash
  • Table Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Wrestling
  • Badminton
  • Boxing
  • Cue Sport
  • MMA
  • ESPORTS

MULTIMEDIA

  • Videos
  • Gallery
  • Podcast
  • Sportoon

ON STAGE

  • ACES Awards
  • Sportstar Conclave
Latest issue of Sportstar

Subscribers Only Have you subscribed yet?

Buy Print

  • CONNECT WITH US
  • Get sportstar app on
  • Google Playstore
  1. Home
  2. Football
  3. Fifa World Cup
  4. News

Argentina vs Netherlands, FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals: Three key battles to look out for

Three key battles to look forward to in the Argentina vs Netherlands quarterfinal match of the FIFA World Cup at the Lusail Stadium.

Published : Dec 08, 2022 08:56 IST

Team Sportstar

Comments

follow iconFollow Us

SHARE

  • Copy link
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Telegram
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Reddit

READ LATER

SEE ALL Remove
(From L-R): Virgil Van Dijk of the Netherlands and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
(From L-R): Virgil Van Dijk of the Netherlands and Lionel Messi of Argentina. | Photo Credit: AFP
infoIcon

(From L-R): Virgil Van Dijk of the Netherlands and Lionel Messi of Argentina. | Photo Credit: AFP

Group C topper Netherlands meets Group A topper Argentina in its FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinal match on December 10 at the Lusail Stadium.

The Netherlands will undoubtedly be Argentina’s biggest challenge till now in the Qatar World Cup. Both teams have a fair share of history as far as the World Cup is concerned. Argentina beat the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup final to lift its first title. Argentina also beat the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup on penalties in the semifinals.

Louis Van Gaal and his men will have revenge on their minds. Ahead of the match, here are three key battles to look forward to.

Lionel Messi vs Virgil Van Dijk

The Lionel Messi vs Van Dijk face-off is arguably the most mouth-watering battle. The Messi of today may not make a mind-numbing run from the flanks, dribbling past multiple defenders. Messi realises he does not have the same speed and agility and operates from the middle of the pitch, creating chances for the forward line.

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Argentina and Mexico at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on November 26, 2022.
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Argentina and Mexico at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on November 26, 2022. | Photo Credit: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
lightbox-info

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Argentina and Mexico at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on November 26, 2022. | Photo Credit: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

However, the Netherlands is the best defence Argentina would face in its World Cup run till now, and La Albiceleste might require their wizard to spend more time in the opponent’s penalty area.

Van Dijk’s towering presence in the box would undoubtedly be one of Messi’s most challenging obstacles. Van Dijk has been instrumental in the Oranje conceding just two goals in their four matches. Van Dijk has made an impressive 22 recoveries in this World Cup, which speaks volumes about his qualities as a centre-back.

Messi has three goals in four matches in this World Cup. Apart from his finishing abilities, his vision and ability to find that final pass amplify his threat. He has created 10 chances for Argentina till now.

Van Dijk vs Messi in the box would make for an intriguing battle. In terms of physicality, Van Dijk has an upper hand. But all Messi needs is that one good touch to create something for his team or find the net himself.

Cody Gakpo vs Cristian Romero

Like the Messi vs Van Dijk battle at one end, the Gakpo vs Romero Romero clash is equally exciting. Cristian Romero is the future of Argentina’s defence, but there were doubts over his form coming into this World Cup due to his injury concerns. He wasn’t at his best in Argentina’s opening-day loss to Saudi Arabia and got replaced by Lisandro Martinez against Mexico. But since then, he has played well against Poland and Australia.

ALSO READ
FIFA World Cup diary: It’s business as usual in Doha

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has been a hot topic of discussion. Gakpo has caught attention with his exquisite finishing and good movement, which has helped him score three goals in four matches. One of the breakout stars in this World Cup, Gakpo has been a menace for defenders with his pace, aerial prowess and fox-in-the-box abilities, which makes it difficult to mark him.

So, Romero will have to summon his A-game in order to stop Gakpo from hurting Argentina. Apart from his three goals, Gakpo has created five chances from open play. In his 340 minutes of playtime, Gakpo has attempted six take-ons and enjoys an 83 per cent success rate, indicating he isn’t afraid to take players on.

Romero is yet to unleash his absolute best. He has recovered from his poor performance against Saudi and put in good shifts in the following match. He has made 10 recoveries in the defensive phase of play till now, but dealing with an in-form forward like Gakpo will not be easy for Romero. Going into the quarterfinal, Gakpo has an edge over Romero.

Rodrigo De Paul vs Frenkie de Jong

It will be a La-Liga battle in the middle of the park as Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul will square up against Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

Both are crucial parts of their team’s midfield, but their playing style is different. De Paul likes to cover huge areas across the pitch, with his sole focus being protecting the backline and acting as a medium of transition between the defence and the forward line. He does have that vision to make defence-splitting passes once in a while (like his assist to Angel Di Maria in the Copa America 2021 final against Brazil), but his main focus will be to win the ball and stop attacks.

De Jong, on the other hand, is not a traditional defensive midfielder as many categorise him to be. He is a versatile playmaker with a good work rate and is an excellent carrier of the ball. He has in-form forwards in Gakpo and Memphis Depay, which will serve well for the Dutch midfielder because of his vision and ability to find telling passes in the final third.

USA’s Giovanni Reyna (L) and Netherlands’ Frenkie De Jong fight for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between the Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 3, 2022.
USA’s Giovanni Reyna (L) and Netherlands’ Frenkie De Jong fight for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between the Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 3, 2022. | Photo Credit: AFP/RAUL ARBOLEDA
lightbox-info

USA’s Giovanni Reyna (L) and Netherlands’ Frenkie De Jong fight for the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football 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 four chances from open play and has made 29 recoveries, while De Jong has also created four chances and has 26 recoveries. De Jong also has a shot and an assist to his name, while De Paul is looking for his first goal contribution in this World Cup.

Get all the results for the FIFA World Cup 2022 here: Full list of all matches, scores, results, goalscorers

  • Check out Sportstar’s coverage of World Cup in Qatar
  • Scan the World Cup in pictures
  • Football fans, put your skills to the test with FIFA World Cup Quiz
  • Soak in the rich history of the football World Cup
  • WATCH: What’s happening in Qatar and who is saying what
  • Here are some of the most frequently asked questions

Comments

Related Topics

FIFA World Cup

Latest on Sportstar

  1. No Labuschagne in Australia’s extended World Cup 2023 squad
    Reuters
  2. Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano seriously injured in Alaves game and taken off the field in ambulance
    AP
  3. MIA 4 (5)-4(3) DAL, Leagues Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Inter Miami beats FC Dallas on penalties to reach quarterfinal
    Team Sportstar
  4. UCI World C’Ships: Ganna beats tech guru Bigham to pursuit gold
    Reuters
  5. Rangers, Marseille set sights on Champions League as Faroese dream
    AFP
READ MORE STORIES
Latest issue of Sportstar

Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2023: Acid test for India ahead of Asian Games

Uthra Ganesan
Familiar territory: With the kind of resources available to the team and considering the recent performances against some of the top sides in the world, India will be the firm favourite to win the title.

Asian Champions Trophy hockey 2023: India enjoys host advantage

Uthra Ganesan
+ SEE all Stories

More on News

  1. Messi regrets controversy against Dutch at the FIFA World Cup
    AP
  2. FIFA World Cup trailblazing female referee verbally abused; Rwanda football issues probe
    AFP
  3. Argentine corn field planted with face of World Cup winner Messi
    Reuters
  4. Tunisia coach stays on despite missing World Cup target
    Reuters
  5. Mbappe: Will ‘never’ get over World Cup heartbreak
    AFP
READ MORE STORIES

Latest on Sportstar

  1. No Labuschagne in Australia’s extended World Cup 2023 squad
    Reuters
  2. Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano seriously injured in Alaves game and taken off the field in ambulance
    AP
  3. MIA 4 (5)-4(3) DAL, Leagues Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Inter Miami beats FC Dallas on penalties to reach quarterfinal
    Team Sportstar
  4. UCI World C’Ships: Ganna beats tech guru Bigham to pursuit gold
    Reuters
  5. Rangers, Marseille set sights on Champions League as Faroese dream
    AFP
READ MORE STORIES
Sporstar logo
playstore
  • Sportstar

    • About us
    • Archives
    • News Archive
    • Sitemap
    • Print Subscription
    • Digital Subscription
    • Student Access
    • Corporate/Enterprise Access
    • Rss Feeds
    • Contact Us
    • Careers
  • Group News Sites

    • The Hindu
    • Business LIne
    • Frontline
    • இந்து தமிழ் திசை
    • The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy
    • Young World Club
    • The Hindu E-Paper
    • BusinessLine E-Paper
    • Crossword+ "Free Games"
    • The Hindu Coupons
  • Other Products

    • RoofandFloor
    • STEP
    • Images
    • Classifieds
    • Special Publications
  • Popular Sections

    • IPL 2023
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • WTC
    • F1
    • Basketball

Trending on Sportstar

  • World Athletics Championships 2023 Day Nine: Neeraj Chopra, other Indians in action, event timings, streaming info arrow
  • World Athletics Championships 2023: Full list of medal winners, Indian results arrow
  • Record 55 NBA Players to compete in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup arrow
  • Parul Chaudhary sets National Record in 3000m steeplechase at World Athletics Championships, goes past Paris Olympics entry standard arrow
  • Top Indian shuttlers pull out of Grand Prix Badminton League arrow

Trending on our Group sites

  • Neeraj emerges the king of the javelin arrow
  • China releases new official map, showing territorial claims arrow
  • How M. Karunanidhi’s landmark reforms shaped Tamil Nadu’s political and economical landscapes arrow
  • Should teachers share their political opinions with students? arrow
  • Top leadership resignations at Brightcom Group prompt transitional measures and CEO-CFO search arrow
  • Telegram
  • Spotify
  • TERMS OF USE
  • PRIVACY POLICY
Copyright© 2023, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.

BACK TO TOParrow

The Hindu
Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment