Match 57: Netherlands vs. Argentina [QF]

He's fine but still may not start if Scaloni prefers the back 3.

 

I completely feel you. I've lost sleep many nights before big games over the years.

I'll be nervous tomorrow night, but for now I can just look forward to this game as a neutral hoping for a good game between 2 of football's powers.

If it makes you feel any better I can't help but feel the Netherlands will do their thing in their current style and will find a way past a frustrated Argentina.

 

If it helps the Netherlands are in my book extraordinary likely to take home a medal from this World Cup.

In order to achieve that they need to win at least two matches which they will. You can trust me.

Will it be the trophy? Will it be another runners-up finish or will it be bronze?

That is written strictly in the stars and I can not give any guarantees of which colour the medal will be.

 

https://saturdays.substack.com/p/the-big-argentina-netherlands-preview

A data based preview I wrote about the game.

Argentina have looked miles clear, a true contender, but have had a comically weak schedule. Mexico, and even the Saudis and Aussies, were able to keep Argentina from good shots for a while.

Netherlands seem unlikely to be able to hold off a large volume of shots or a high field tilt (they prefer the second it seems), but Argentina have not looked easy to counter against at all, in fact the opposite.

Dutch have one amazing goal from a counter but very mediocre numbers overall, the return of Depay to full fitness is their big threat. He's their clear best attacking player.

lots more there (De Jong's partner, Argentina RB, Otamendi playing well, etc). hope it adds to the mental map you guys have

 

Whoever win this match, I hope they destroy Croatia.

Can't stand a team whose philosophy is to win a WC all by PKs.

 

im hoping for a miracle Argie win. Slim hope but its all I have.

 

Both teams will play 3-5-2.

NED: Noppert; Timber, VVD, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Berjwin, Blind; Gakpo, Depay.

ARG: Martinez; Romero, Otamendi, Martinez; Molina, De Paul, Fernandez, MacAllister, Acuña; Messi, Alvarez.

 

yes but dutch 352 will quickly turn to 522

 

Let's go Argentina. You are now the only hope for South America! Let's go Messi. Beat the boring Netherlands and Croatia!

 

I don't think that's their philosophy. It's just how it turned out so far.

 

I mean Argentina doesn’t play entertaining football like Brazil. They’re very pragmatic.

 

not a bad Argie start

 

happy to see Julian Alvarez get the start

 

Are they going to have a player sent off?

 

I think he's still married to Jorgelina Cardoso

 

It's great, love the anticipation butterflies.

 

In the final, against Portugal.

 

This half of the world cup is going to be boring as hell...

The second half looks way more enticing.

 

Damn