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Steffen Schmidt - December 7, 2022
Netherlands vs Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Date: 9 December 2022, Friday
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail).
Netherlands have three wins and a draw in four matches so far at the World Cup in Qatar.
They are about to face their first serious test, though, on Friday evening when they meet the two-time champions Argentina in the quarterfinal.
Louis van Gaal is probably the Netherlands’ biggest strength in this tournament. He has the precious experience required for the highest level of international football (unlike his colleague at the opposite end in this match for example).
Van Gaal led his team brilliantly in a comfortable 3-1 victory over the United States on Saturday.
The former Manchester United (among others) head coach has brought his wing-back style to perfection with the national side.
Daley Blind and Denzel Dumries responded with a stunning display, delivering at least a goal and an assist each in the victory over the USMNT last weekend.
It will be very interesting to see how the wing backs, as well as the midfield part of the team, will react to the Argentineans on Friday.
Argentina opened the competition with a shocking defeat to minnows Saudi Arabia but they responded well, bagging two goals in each of the following three matches to set up this mouth-watering quarterfinal tie.
Los Gauchos did not shine in either of the mentioned victories in particular but they got the job done.
Lionel Messi provided his magic in the matches against Mexico and Australia, while the whole team pulled off their best performance in a convincing 2-0 victory over Poland in Matchday No 3 in the group stage.
Angel Di Maria is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the R16 win over Socceroos, while we will also likely see Julian Alvarez retaining his position ahead of Lautaro Martinez.
It is very interesting to see the Argentineans as the favorites in this one. We feel the sportsbooks have significantly underestimated the Dutch team here, pricing them at 3.60 to get the victory.
We see this match as a tight affair in which we should not see too many clear-cut openings at either end. The low-scoring stalemate thus seems the way to go as we will back the Draw & Under 2.5 goals FT pick at the odds of 3.60. If you have to pick a goalscorer, the value is with in-form Cody Gakpo at sky-high 4.00 odds.
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