Netherlands
Dutch defenders Jurrien Timber and Nathan Ake will have to play a major role by stopping Lionel Messi. The Netherlands defeated the USA 3-1 to book their spot in the last eight in an impressive performance in the Round of 16. In order to get to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season, the Oranje taught their American counterparts a lesson in ruthlessness. They will have to score multiple goals against Argentina to progress to the semi-finals.
Argentina
The Albiceleste have what no other team in the world do, the greatest footballer of all time - Lionel Messi. However, the Netherlands will be extra careful about Messi, so Argentina will have to play well as a team - without depending only on Messi. Fortunately for the South American team, players like Julian Alvarez have already found the net twice in the tournament.
Lionel Messi will play his 1001st game after having scored his first non-group stage world cup goal against Australia. Nahuel Molina, one of the most promising players from the team, will be a key player as well. Cody Gakpo, who has already scored thrice in the tournament, will be expected to score again for the Netherlands.
In their last three games against the Netherlands, Argentina have failed to score. Five FIFA World Cup games have pitted Argentina and the Netherlands against one another. Out of these five games, Argentina triumphed only once while Netherlands won two of those. Two games ended in a draw. Overall, these two teams have played nine matches against each other. Argentina have won three and the Dutch four while two games ended in a draw.
The Netherlands vs Argentina match will be broadcast live on the Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels in India and Jio Cinema's app and website will both offer free live streaming of the event.