Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker:
In what is a real heavyweight battle on Friday night, Holland and Argentina will meet at the Lusail Iconic Stadium with a World Cup semi-final spot up for grabs.
Holland
Starting with Holland, while the European giants might have failed to book their ticket out in Russia four years ago, Louis van Gaal s side have continued to shine on their return to the world stage. Enjoying what has been an extended purple patch since welcoming back the former Manchester United boss for a third stint in charge, the Oranges should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Taking seven points from their three Group A appearances and breezing their way to the knockout stage without breaking much of a sweat, Holland could be smelling the chance to spring an upset in Lusail. Extending on their adventure last week as they claimed a 3-1 victory against the USA, van Gaal s side are now in the midst of a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run across all formats. With that run stemming all the way back to June 2021, they have also shipped just two strikes in their previous six outings.
Team News
Bagging his first World Cup strike in Holland s 3-1 victory against the USA last week, Memphis Depay should once again partner the red-hot Cody Gakpo in attack.
With van Gaal likely to go with the same starting XI on Friday night, Liverpool s defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk should be joined by Manchester City s Nathan Ake.
Argentina
As for Argentina, while the South American icons might have opened their World Cup adventure with an infamous 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia on November 22nd, La Albiceleste have come roaring back. Clinching back-to-back 2-0 victories against Poland and Mexico as they wrapped up top spot in Group H, Lionel Scaloni s men are looking to write real history in Qatar this month. Booking their quarter-final ticket after landing a deserved 2-1 win against Australia last week, they have remarkably lost just one of their previous 40 matchups across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to July 2019. With many tipping them as a leading pick in the Middle East this winter, Argentina will be calling on their attacking talisman to spearhead their charge in Lusail. Including a wonderful solo strike against Australia, seven-time Ballon d Or winner Lionel Messi has already notched three World Cup strikes.
Team News
Continuing to impress in Qatar this year and notching back-to-back World Cup goals, Manchester City s Julian Alvarez should once again join Messi in attack this weekend.
Handed a rest against Australia last week, Juventus ace Angel Di Maria could be in line for a full recall on Friday night. The ex-Real Madrid star looks set to replace Papu Gomez.
Key Factors to Consider
