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The Netherlands are not expected to win the tournament, but they have topped their group and outplayed the USA comfortably while scoring some tactically-impressive team goals. With Argentina almost stumbling against Australia, Oranje might be more of a threat than some had determined them to be prior to the first match.
With Louis Van Gaal at the helm, the Netherlands will look to target Argentina's weak points - their fullbacks - and nullify Messi and Di Maria (if he is able to play). They will likely concede the majority of possession and aim for incisive attacks on the counter to feed dangerous balls into any of Depay, Gakpo, and a marauding Dumfries. Frenkie De Jong, Ake, and De Ligt all sit on a yellow card and will be suspended for the next match if they pick up another.
Argentina looked bereft of attacking ideas on occasion against the resolute Australians, and this may be down to Di Maria's absence. Papu Gomez has so far not impressed or added the creativity that Di Maria brings, so Argentina will be hoping he can start and pull some of the heat off Messi.
Fernandez has been a revelation in midfield and Alvarez is finding the goals that evade Lauturo Martinez - La Albiceleste squandered numerous chances against Australia and have to be more clinical going forward. They will also not want a repeat of their last 10 minutes against the Socceroos where they almost conceded two goals that some of the bigger teams may very well take.
Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez have both been stalwart in defence while questions remain over Romero. Argentina will likely play the same possession-based approach and aim to win the ball back in midfield quickly, while Messi walks unnoticed before darting into deadly positions.
This match is a tough one to call but Argentina should have the edge if they are cohesive.
How to watch Netherlands v Argentina LIVE and FREE on SBS
Saturday, December 10
Quarter-Final - Netherlands v Argentina
5:30am - 8:30am (AEDT) - kickoff at 06.00am
LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand
