I wouldn't be surprised to see Netherlands in the final. Their centre backs are probably the best in the tournament, their team is well structured, they've yet to lose under Van Gaal, and De Jong, Gakpo, Depay are all strong international performers giving them quality through the spine. I'd back them to beat Argentina who seem like they can be nullified by organised teams, and then it would be a case of shocking probably Brazil, who also haven't looked great at breaking down sides this tournament either.
They look tired to me. Had to put so much into the group games. Dutch pressing them at the right times.
There's a few teams where a good striker would turn them from a tidy team into a good one. Switzerland and Denmark have been crying out for one for years. USA will be a tough team at home in 2026, even more so if they can get a striker or two into the squad. All of their key players are under 30 and most under 25.
There is a global shortage of strikers. We have seen how big clubs have found it hard to find strikers themselves.
They've a young team but their main tactic really requires a young team. Essentially they try and press intensely from the start and hope to get what they need in the first hour of matches. Not sure its really a sustainable tournament tactic in general as you've seen here where a wiser, experienced side has picked them off with relative ease with them struggling to avoid being hit on counters. It's a tactic really befitting having a young team, though of course they should improve in other aspects as the age also.
Be interesting if the Dutch people start properly getting behind them. The Dutch press have been very critical of their performances so far and many in wider country have not got into the tournament that much due to its location.
It's really been very similar to them in 2014 under Van Gaal, not particularly fluent but they were well organised then and very hard to break down, lacking a bit going forward (outside their opening game that tournament). This has been very similar. Though today they've looked more threatening than previously.
I can see them needing a penalty shoutout or two again then. Their semi against Argentina was quite boring but then nothing could top the one the night before for simply how shocking it was.
Dutch team look organised but lack any real star quality. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final though. Its anybodys tournament this year
They look better to me than 8 years ago. That team was older and was more workmanlike, this looks to be more dangerous.
Sad to learn that the Aussies have brought in Keanu Baccus just to do a hatchet job on Messi I hope the ref is strong enough tonight
The BBC buildup to Argentina by showing a piece on Messi’s which just highlights how he has underperformed for Argentina which has dented his reputation in the UK.
How many actual Australians in the Aussie team / squad ? Looks like there’s a few interlopers in there
8 of the 11 starters were born in Australia with Baccus born in South Africa but moved to Australia before his 1st birthday, Soutter born in Scotland to an Aussie Mother and Degenek born in Croatia but moved to Australia when he was 5/6.
Will be interesting to see how Argentina get on against the Dutch. Their last three games they’ve barely even conceded a touch in their own penalty area due to the pathetically passive approach and amount of respect their opponents have shown them. Poland, Australia and even Mexico barely bothered to attack against them. I’d like to see them face a side like Spain who will outpass and overrun them for long periods and see how they cope.
Yeah true. Although even just a side who are organised and solid with a serious threat in attack would beat them so England, France or Brazil.
Where’s VAR again. Sutter blocked Martinez in the box and has hold of his shirt for about 3 seconds .. just shown in replays
The BBC are slightly too obsessed with Messi. The majority of the audience probably wanted Australia to win considering it is Argentina and people tend to like the underdogs.