Three factors to watch for in Argentina’s clash with the Netherlands

Argentina will face the Netherlands in what promises to be a mouth-watering World Cup quarterfinal at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Friday.

To get to this match-up, the Albiceleste defeated Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16, while the Dutch prevailed over Team USA 3-1.

Argentina have bounced back really well after the reversal suffered in the first match against Saudi Arabia, while the Netherlands are yet to lose a match in the tournament.

Here’s a look at three factors that might determine the fate of the match:

The twin threat of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez for Argentina

While the talismanic Messi has been central to most of the Argentine attacks in the tournament, the impact of Alvarez, who has a couple of goals in his account, cannot be denied either. Argentina have looked a different side since he replaced an ineffective Lautaro Martinez up front.

Argentina are likely to start with a 4-3-3 with Angel Di Maria (or “Papu” Gomez, if Di Maria is unfit) and Alvarez on the left and right flanks, respectively. However, their formation will effectively become 3-5-1-1 with Alvarez shifting inside to centre-forward as a source of constant annoyance for the Dutch central defenders.

Messi will play in a free role behind Alvarez and drop down to create moves by playing quick diagonal passes to either wing, especially to the left to an onrushing Marcos Acuña, who has gone into frequent overlaps in the tournament so far.

Di Maria will often become the right wing-back effectively, with right-back Nahuel Molina becoming a third centre-back.

The Dutch will start with a 3-5-2 formation and their back-three of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber will have to ensure that Messi does not get enough space to take shots at goal from the edge of the penalty box.

The 35-year-old has already scored twice in such fashion and Van Dijk or Timber will probably take the responsibility of blocking any such shot.

The clash on the flanks

There promises to be a mouth-watering clash between Denzel Dumfries and Acuña down the right flanks of the Netherlands. Dumfries was instrumental in Holland’s win over the United States and also scored once.

Acuña has been a threat in attack and it remains to be seen whether he changes his approach to contain Dumfries on Friday.

With the threat of Alvarez looming through the inside-left channel, it also will be interesting to see if Dumfries shoulders some defensive responsibility to nullify the former.

The clash on the other flank will not be as intense, especially if Di Maria is unable to play. “Papu” Gomez prefers to play on the left and should he be forced to play as the right winger, Daley Blind might have more breathing space.

Dutch strikers in fine form

Both Dutch strikers are in good form at the moment, with Cody Gakpo finding the net in each of the three group matches and Memphis Depay scored against the Americans.

The Netherlands will look to play crosses from either flank to utilize the good form of their strikers. Moreover, Frenkie De Jong will also look to create moves with his intelligent forward passes from the middle third.

Davy Klaassen will look to make runs at goal to pile on the pressure and Argentine defenders Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero will have be on their toes.

Argentina might not start with Lisandro Martinez, as the diminutive centre-back might find it a bit difficult to deal with aerial balls sent into the box.

It will be up to the Argentine midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Federico De Paul to block the passing channels of De Jong and disrupt Klaassen’s runs.