By early Saturday morning (December 10) we will know if a blockbuster Brazil vs Argentina semi-final will happen or not at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The first quarter-final of the day today will see five time champions Brazil take on the runners-up of the 2018 edition - Croatia. The second match of the day (technically early morning Saturday IST) will see Argentina playing The Netherlands.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has predicted a 'beautiful game' vs the Dutch.
The Dutch manager, the legendary Louis van Gaal is 71, Scaloni is 44. The Netherlands hold a slight edge in the overall historical Head To Head record against the Albiceleste. Overall, this will be the 6th World Cup meeting between the two teams.
As Argentina and The Netherlands get ready to lock horns, TimesofIndia,com here takes a look at their overall Head to Head record, key statistics and much more.
What: FIFA World Cup 2022 Second Quarter-Final
Teams: Argentina and Netherlands
FIFA Rankings - Argentina - 3; Netherlands - 8
Where: Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
Kick-Off Time: 12:30 AM IST, Saturday, December 10
Head To Head (Overall):
Matches Played: 9
Won by Argentina: 3
Won by Netherlands: 4
Draws: 2
Total goals scored by Argentina vs Netherlands: 6
Total goals scored by Netherlands vs Argentina: 13
Head To Head (In FIFA WC):
Matches Played: 5
Won by Argentina: 2
Won by Netherlands: 2
Draws: 1
Most recent encounter: July 2014, FIFA World Cup - Semi-Finals - Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw
Scorelines of all 9 matches between Argentina and The Netherlands till now:
May 1974: International Friendly - Netherlands 4-1 Argentina
June 1974: FIFA World Cup - Group Stage - Netherlands 4-0 Argentina
June, 1978: FIFA World Cup - Final - Argentina 3-1 Netherlands
May 1979: International Friendly - Argentina won 8-7 on penalties after a 0-0 draw
July 1998: FIFA World Cup - Quarter-Final - Netherlands 2-1 Argentina
March 1999: International Friendly - Netherlands 1-1 Argentina
February 2003: International Friendly - Netherlands 1-0 Argentina
June 2006: FIFA World Cup - Group Stage - Netherlands 0-0 Argentina
July 2014: FIFA World Cup - Semi-Finals - Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw
Predicted Starting XIs:
Argentina (4-3-3):
Damien Martinez (GK); Nahuel Molina (defender); Cristian Romero (defender); Nicolas Otamendi (defender); Marcus Acuna (midfielder); Alexis Mac Allister (midfielder); Enzo Fernandez (midfielder); Leandro Paredes (midfielder); Julian Alvarez (forward); Lionel Messi (forward); Angel Di Maria (forward)
Netherlands (3-5-2):
Andries Noppert (GK); Jurrien Timber (defender); Virgil Van Dijk (defender); Nathan Ake (defender); Denzel Dumfries (defender); Davy Klaassen (midfielder); Marten De Roon (midfielder); Frenkie De Jong (midfielder); Daley Blind (defender - attacking); Memphis Depay (forward); Cody Gakpo (forward)
Road to Quarter-Finals:
Argentina:
League Stage:
- Lost to Saudi Arabia 1-2
- Beat Mexico 2-0
- Beat Poland 2-0
Round of 16:
- Beat Australia 2-1
Netherlands:
League Stage:
- Beat Senegal 2-0
- Drew with Ecuador 1-1
- Beat Qatar 2-0
Round of 16:
- Beat USA 3-1
Best Finish:
Argentina:
Champions: 1978, 1986
Netherlands:
Runners-Up: 1974, 1978, 2010
