No repeat of Bergkamp moment in Dutch defeat
The quarter final stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place this weekend, with one of the matches throwing up a repeat of the 1998 classic between the Netherlands and Argentina. A moment of pure magic by Dennis Bergkamp in that game is still cited as one of the best goals (and indeed assists) in the history of the entire tournament, and the fixture 24 years later on Friday night at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar promises to be another corker. Read our preview here:
Nopp problem
Louis van Gaal's charges used every drop of their superior experience and finishing ability to deservedly come through in their last 16 tussle with the USA, 3-1. Inter's Denzel Dumfries was hugely instrumental and had a big hand in all three strikes, assisting twice and scoring once from right wing-back. He will again be given a similar amount of freedom to get forwards against the more conservative stylings of Marcos Acuña compared to Sergiño Dest for USMNT. Daley Blind doesn't have the pace of his teammate on the opposite flank, but does have the passing variety and stamina to be the spare man or late runner into the box as he shown during the competition. Elsewhere, the team should remain the same, and it promises to be a big test for the relatively novice figure of Andries Noppert. The 28 year old Heereveen goalkeeper's four caps have all come this winter, and his height could prove crucial from dead balls and penalties, should the fixture require them.
Cool Jul
Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni's men made heavier work of their clash with Australia than most observers would've anticipated, coming through 2-1 in a game that came to life when the Socceroos grabbed a deflected goal to halve the lead La Albiceleste had hitherto enjoyed. Leo Messi got a superb opener, though perhaps more influential in the 90 minutes and to the composition of the attack at this edition has been Julián Álvarez. The Manchester City forward has brought pace, trickery, and some of the opposition's defensive focus off the living legend, scoring in the last two games he has started. Sevilla's Papu Gómez remains a doubt after coming off with a knock several days ago, which could mean a return for the fit again Ángel Di María.
Betting tip
It's very difficult to see either side running away with it, but it should be a great watch for the neutrals because of how attack-minded and stacked in the final third both nations are. betway have odds of 2.30 for Argentina to set up a possible meeting with their biggest and oldest rivals, Brazil (depending on how they fare against Croatia).
