THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP QUARTERFINALS: NETHERLANDS VS ARGENTINA

Argentina Faces The Netherlands, Which Is Unbeaten So Far In The Tournament. Head-To-Head Stats Put The Dutch Slightly Ahead Of The Argentinians.

By Rashmi Goel

The world's greatest player, Lionel Messi, returns to action in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Argentina will take on the Netherlands in this match. Both teams have had contrasting experiences in the tournament so far. The Netherlands have not lost a match in the last eight contests, in contrast to Argentina who had to bounce back after losing to Saudi Arabia in the opening match. However, the Dutch team, under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, will be facing their toughest test to date against the mighty South Americans, who have the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner in their formation. A number of exemplary performances have been recorded by Cod Gakpo during the current campaign in the Netherlands. Despite scoring in all three of his group matches, Gakpo was unable to convert the opportunity against the USA in the Round of 16. It is still the case, however, that he remains the Netherlands' most important attacking threat. For Argentina, qualifying for the semi-finals may require some Messi magic.

On a global basis, the Netherlands has an advantage over Argentina. Based on the nine games that the two teams have played against each other, the Dutch have earned four victories and two draws. There have been only three occasions on which they have been defeated. Argentina defeated Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in the 2014 FIFA World Cup the last time these two teams met. There have been five encounters between the two teams during the history of the FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands emerged victorious in two matches, while the South Americans triumphed in two matches. The result of one match was a draw. In 1974, they played the first ever World Cup match, and Johan Cruyff led the Netherlands to a 4-0 victory.