Many fans are urging Lionel Messi on to win the World Cup this year. But these Netherlands vs. Argentina predictions suggest a close game – and one that he could end up losing if Louis van Gaal’s magic works once again.
Netherlands vs. Argentina odds
1 – The draw – 9/4
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 4/7
3 – Both teams to score – 1/1
4 – Netherlands to qualify – 13/10
5 – Lionel Messi to score at anytime – 6/4
The Dutch players have stated that they are using Louis van Gaal’s recovery from cancer as inspiration for their World Cup bid. That something extra has worked so far, but now they face their sternest test so far, as they meet Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Friday.
The Netherlands eased past the US in the round of 16, although an American goal with around a quarter of an hour to go certainly heightened the nerves in the Dutch camp. They were able to score a third soon after but they are unlikely to celebrate so many goals against Argentina.
This promises to be a much tighter game, with two teams looking to outwit each other – and taking their time to do so. That’s why a bet on both teams to score is probably a good shout, but under 2.5 goals scored is also worth looking at.
Lionel Messi was, once again, the driving force behind Argentina’s victory over Australia in the round of 16. He took a while to get going but he netted a typical Messi goal to open the scoring and should be backed to score here too.
The Dutch will need to be wary of the undoubted star of the show. But there are a number of talented players in the Netherlands side too – and Denzel Dumfries has shown that he is a real danger down the right hand side of the pitch. If Argentina cannot contain him, they could be in trouble.
This promises to be an enthralling clash, where opportunities will need to be taken for either team to progress. It would be no surprise if all was square after 90 minutes – but a bet on the Netherlands to end up going through is worth investigating, even if it would end Messi’s World Cup dreams for good.
How to stream Netherlands vs. Argentina
Netherlands vs. Argentina will be shown by national television broadcasters and will be available online around the world.
Netherlands vs. Argentina last five matches
Netherlands last five matches
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09-12-2022 19:00
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03-12-2022 15:00
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29-11-2022 15:00
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25-11-2022 16:00
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21-11-2022 16:00
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Argentina last five matches
Netherlands top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Argentina top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 4 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Netherlands vs. Argentina line-ups
Netherlands (3-4-1-2): Noppert; van Dijk, Aké, Timber; Dumfries, de Jong, de Roon, Blind; Klaassen; Depay, Gakpo
Argentina (4-3-3): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; Mac Allister, Peredes, de Paul; Álvarez, Messi, L Martinez
Netherlands team news
Louis van Gaal will see no reason to change his starting eleven from the one that overcame the US at the weekend. Memphis Depay looked dangerous up front and even though Cody Gakpo couldn’t replicate his group stage performances, he is sure to get another start. Nathan Aké looks set to start at the back again too, instead of the out of favour Matthijs de Ligt.
Argentina team news
Lionel Scaloni could well be without Ángel Di Maria once again, as the Juventus player struggles with an injury. That could see Lautaro Martinez given another chance, even though he has not been at his best during this World Cup. Lionel Messi will be the main focus, of course, but Julián Álvarez should start after scoring against Australia.