Lionel Messi has been in superb shape within the ongoing FIFA World Cup, scoring 3 targets in Argentina’s run to the quarter-finals in Qatar. The Argentina captain scored a function in his facet’s 2-1 Round of 16 win vs Australia and likewise scored two targets within the team level. The CONMEBOL facet will now face Netherlands within the quarter-finals, on Saturday, on the Lusail Stadium.
Netherlands sealed a 3-1 win vs USA of their Round of 16 fixture and Dutch trainer Louis van Gaal might be searching for revenge in opposition to Argentina. The European nation misplaced to Argentina within the 2014 World Cup semi-finals with Van Gaal on the helm.
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Speaking to the media, the previous Manchester United gaffer published that he has a plan to make the most of Messi’s weak spot. “Messi is the most dangerous creative player, he is able to create a lot and to score goals himself. But when they lose the ball he doesn’t participate much, this gives us chances”, he stated.
When requested about his tactical plan for Messi, he merely stated, “You’ll see on Friday. I won’t tell you”.
Messi’s strike in opposition to Australia was once additionally his 9th World Cup function and primary within the knockout phases of the showpiece tournament. It was once his 789th profession function in all competitions, with Australia the 129th other opponent he has scored in opposition to. Meanwhile, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk feels Argentina aren’t as regards to Messi. Ahead of the sport, he stated, “I think we have shown against all kinds of countries what we are capable of under this national coach. He is one of the best players of all time. It is an honor to play against him. But it is not me against him, or the Netherlands against him, but the Netherlands against Argentina. And they have many more players who are world-class.”