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World Cup: Messi, Argentina defeat Netherlands on penalties
It started with Lionel Messi delivering another soccer clinic. It ended with the Argentina superstar sporting a bloodied top lip, shouting abuse to opponents and even blasting the referee.
And of course there were goals, too, for one of the greats of the game whose bid to win the World Cup for the first time is still on track.
Messi is heading to the semifinals with Argentina after a penalty-shootout victory over Netherlands that had just about everything on Friday.
Argentina took a 2-0 lead, conceded an equalizer in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time to send the match to extra time at 2-2, and then won the shootout 4-3 amid a deafening noise inside Lusail Stadium.
Messi, who scored a penalty in regulation time, converted his penalty in the shootout while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made two saves to help Argentina secure a semifinal match against Croatia, which beat Brazil earlier Friday.
After Lautaro Martinez scored the clinching penalty, Messi — with his arms outstretched — sprinted to jump into the arms of his goalkeeper.
Also read: Croatia end Brazil's dream of 6th World Cup
“We had to suffer,” Messi said. “But we got through.”
Messi did, especially, in an often violent match that featured 17 yellow cards — a record for a World Cup match — two of which went to Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries as he was sent off after the game.
Messi was critical of the Spanish referee, Antonio Mateu, saying: “I don't think he was up to the standard. He was very harmful for us.”
And, in a side of Messi rarely seen, he broke off from his post-match interview on the field to shout abuse at the scorer of the Netherlands' two goals, Wout Weghorst.
“What are you looking at, stupid?” Messi was heard saying.
Messi and his teammates hung around on the field for 20 minutes at the end, taking turns dancing and jumping up and down in front of Argentina's celebrating, scarf-waving fans.
Messi said the late Diego Maradona was looking over the team.
“Diego is watching us from heaven,” Messi said of the former Argentina captain and coach who died two years ago. “He is pushing us. I hope it stays like that until the end.”
It is only the second time Argentina has reached the last four since 1990. In 2014, Messi was part of the team that lost to Germany in the final and he looks in the mood to get there again in a tournament that he is turning into his own personal highlight reel.
Messi delivered a mesmerizing piece of skill and vision to set up the opening goal for Nahuel Molina in the 35th minute. He twisted free in central midfield and burst forward, unbalancing Netherlands defender Nathan Ake and then delivering a no-look reverse pass for Molina to poke in a finish for his first international goal.
His penalty in the 73rd minute, which came after Marcus Acuna was tripped by Dumfries, was his fourth goal of the tournament and took him to 10 overall in the World Cup — tied with Gabriel Batistuta for the most for Argentina. Messi now has 94 goals in total in his 169 international games.
His team trailing 2-0, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal sent on two tall strikers — Weghorst and Luuk De Jong — and even told center back Virgil van Dijk to play up front. The game suddenly changed.
Weghorst glanced in a header from a right-wing cross in the 78th — five minutes after coming on — and then scored the latest second-half goal in a knockout-stage game at a World Cup.
Off a cleverly worked free-kick routine learned by Weghorst at his Turkish club, Besiktas, Teun Koopmeiners feigned to take a shot at goal from the edge of the area but instead played it short and low into the middle of the area. It deceived the Argentine defense as Weghorst took a touch, held off his marker and slotted home a finish on the stretch.
Enzo Fernandez hit the post near the end of extra time and was then the only Argentina player to fail to score in the shootout. Martinez's saves were from attempts by Van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, after which he pulled his shorts high and danced a jig.
The loss ended Van Gaal’s third stint in charge of the Netherlands and Messi shared a moment with the 71-year-old coach at the end.
“Ever since we arrived here,” Van Gaal said, “we have been focused on penalties. We thought we were going to win the penalty shootout.”
England vs France Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
France has never beaten England in a head-to-head match in the history of the World Cup. The English are far ahead in the overall fight between the two teams in the World Cup. But as of recent years, French has been ruling the football world. With such an atmosphere and context, the current world champion France will face England, who played in the last season’s semi-finals in the high-voltage quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022. Let’s take a look at the England vs France match preview to get to know more.
England vs France: Head-to-Head records so far
A total of 31 fights took place between England and France’s 100+ years old rivalry, of which England led with 17 wins, while France won nine. Five matches have been drawn. The two teams have met 11 times in the last three decades, with the French leading the way.
However, England has won twice in the World Cup. England defeated France 2-0 on the way to the World Cup title in 1966 and 3-1 in the group stage of the 1982 World Cup. France won three in the last five matches, England won one, and the remaining match was drawn. The French are hot favorites in this World Cup and will start today’s match as a favorite.
England’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
England has scored 12 goals in 4 matches so far in this World Cup. Which is their joint highest in any major tournament. In 2018, they scored 12 goals on their way to the semi-finals of the Russia tournament. England is advancing with power; in the round of 16, they beat Senegal by 3-0 goals.
However, history tells us that England’s departure from the quarter-finals has become a rule. Previously, the English had to leave the last eight in the World Cup in 1954, 1962, 1970, 2002, and 2006. They left the tournament after losing to a European team in six of the last eight World Cups.
Nevertheless, it is certainly admirable for England to go through three World Cup matches without conceding a goal. Coach Gareth Southgate now has another chance. As the first coach of the Three Lions, he can be the pioneer of England reaching more than one semi-final.
Among the English players, Harry Kane is now the highest goal scorer for England in a major tournament. The English captain surpassed Gary Lineker when he scored a goal against Senegal. Kane has 7 goals in total, compiling the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. He also assisted 3 goals in this tournament. So, all eyes will be on him.
There is no potential injury update for the England team. Hence, England will start the match with all the major players.
England’s players to watch:
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford.
England’s players carrying yellow cards:
None.
Read More: Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
France’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
On the other hand, France has played in the quarter-finals in five of the last seven seasons, including the last three World Cups. Coach Didier Deschamps’ side has won eight of their last ten knockout rounds against European teams.
Despite such success, they have some aspects of criticism. Because France has conceded goals in all four matches played so far in this World Cup. The champions will have to think more about this matter. Before this, France played twice against England in the 1966 and 1982 World Cup and lost each time. But they are ahead in recent performance.
Kylian Mbappe will be France’s trump card. He has scored five goals in 4 matches so far. The forward surpassed his 4 goals scored in the last World Cup. Mbappe showed his class at the World Cup in Russia. Statistics show that France has won all nine World Cup matches where Mbappe played in the starting XI.
France is playing in the quarter-finals as the first title defender after Brazil in 2006. As the defending champion, Italy went into the 2010 tournament and left on the group stage. Spain, the champion of the tournament, was eliminated from the group stage in 2014. Germany, which won the title in 2014, had a similar situation in the last edition.
Like England, France does not have any injury report. However, there were rumors that Mbappe did not come to the last training of the French because he felt some discomfort in his ankle. However, the matter was later denied.
France’s players to watch:
Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Hugo Lloris.
France’s players carrying yellow cards:
Jules Kounde, Aurelien Tchouameni.
Probable squad in the England vs France Quarter-final match
England's probable starting squad
Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Foden.
Probable starting squad of France
Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Greizmann, Mbappe, Giroud.
Quarter-final's England vs France Match Result Prediction
England has won just one of their last eight matches against the reigning champions. According to The Analyst’s supercomputer’s prediction, France has a 40.3% chance to win the game in 90 minutes, while England has 32.4%. However, there is a 27.3% of chance that the game will proceed to a penalty shootout.
Venue of World Cup 2022 Quarter-final England vs France match?
France and England will fight on the field next Saturday (local time) to get a place in the semi-finals. The matchup between the title holders and former champions will start at 1 am Bangladesh time at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
Final Words
The England vs France Quarter-final match is sure to be a thrilling one, with both teams having strong players and impressive recent performances. Ultimately, the result of this match is unpredictable and could go either way, but no matter who reaches the semi-final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the fans of both teams can expect an entertaining match.
Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Morocco is spending the World Cup like a dream. For the first time, the African team is playing in the quarterfinals at the World Cup stage. Portugal, who have never been able to play a final in a global tournament, are also in great form. These two teams are going to meet in the last eight of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022. The whole world is waiting for a very enjoyable match between Portugal and Morocco in the quarter-finals. Let’s take a look at the Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final match preview and where they are standing.
Morocco vs Portugal: Head-to-Head Record So Far
Before this, Morocco and Portugal met twice in the World Cup. The country of Arab heritage beat Portugal 3-1 in the 1986 World Cup. And in the last 2018 Russia World Cup, Portugal defeated Morocco by 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo's only goal gave Portugal a win in that match. This time Portugal and Morocco are meeting in the quarterfinal!
Where is the Venue of Morocco vs Portugal Match?
Portugal and Morocco will meet in the fight to reach the semi-finals. The match starts at 9 pm Bangladesh time at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
Morocco's performance So Far in the 2022 World Cup
Morocco debuted in the 1970 World Cup. In 1986, they became the first African country to pass the group stage of the World Cup. Morocco's last win in the World Cup was in 1998 against Scotland, and after that, they got their win in this World Cup against Belgium in the group stage.
In the round of sixteen, Morocco defeated the former world champion Spain in a tiebreaker and made it to the quarter-finals. They are the first Arab country to reach the last eight of the World Cup.
Walid Regragui is the first Arab coach to take a team to the knockout stages. He took charge of Morocco last September. The undefeated African team has played seven matches so far under his coaching. After drawing with Croatia in the group stage, they defeated Belgium and Canada, who were among the favorites of the tournament. That is why they are also called the dark horse of this World Cup.
They have only conceded one goal so far, which was against Canada in the last match of the World Cup group stage.
So far, the opposition has not been able to send the ball into the Moroccan net. Their only goal in four matches was a 2–1 loss against Canada in the group stage. The own goal was scored by defender Nayef Aguerd.
Morocco's players to watch:
Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat.
Morocco's players carrying yellow cards:
Abdelhamid Sabiri, Romain Saiss, Sofyan Amrabat.
Read More: England vs France Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Portugal's Performance So Far in the 2022 World Cup
2016 Euro champions Portugal have never reached a World Cup final so far. Their debut on the world stage was in 1966. The team gave a great performance in the first season itself. They beat champions Brazil 3-1 and eliminated them from the group stage. They won all three matches and qualified for the next round. Portugal played in the semi-final in the same event.
However, their journey ended with a 2-1 loss against England. After defeating the Soviet Union 2-1, the Portuguese finished third in the tournament. Which is their best success in the World Cup so far. They played in the semi-final in 2006 as well.
On the other hand, Portugal started their World Cup journey by defeating Ghana 3-2 in the first match of the group stage. Then they beat the former world champion Uruguay 2-0. However, despite losing 2-1 to South Korea in the last match, the Portuguese reached the knockout stage as group champions.
And Portugal showed world-class football in the round of 16 games against Switzerland. Portugal's 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Ramos scored the first hat-trick in the current season. He achieved this in a knockout stage match, in which Portugal beat Switzerland by 6-1. The Benfica forward became the first player since Germany's Miroslav Klose in 2002 to score a hat-trick in the starting XI for the first time in the World Cup.
Scoring a goal will make Cristiano Ronaldo the all-time leading scorer for Portugal on the world stage. Currently, this record is held by Eusebio, he scored 9 goals in the World Cup, and he scored all in the 1966 tournament. It was his only World Cup appearance.
Pepe scored a goal in an easy win over Switzerland. This Portuguese defender made history by scoring the goal at the age of 39 years and 283 days. He now holds the record for the oldest goal scorer in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Portugal has no injury report for the quarter-final game. It means the Portuguese will begin the game with full force.
Portugal's players to watch:
Gonzalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias.
Portugal's players carrying yellow cards:
Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias.
Read More: Ronaldo did not threaten to leave World Cup: Portugal coach
Squad of Morocco and Portugal in the Quarter-final Match
Probable starting squad of Morocco
Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Probable starting squad of Portugal
Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Neves, Otavio, Silva, Fernandes, Felix, Ramos
Quarterfinal Morocco vs Portugal match Result Prediction
Although Portugal is the favorite in this match, Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will be an obstacle to them. According to Opta Analyst's data, Portugal has a 55.8% chance to win in the 90 minutes, while Morocco has an 18.8% chance. If the game reaches a penalty shootout, Morocco has a 25.4% chance of winning.
Final Words
Both sides have the technical ability and quality to make it an exciting and unpredictable game. Morocco has a consistent recent record in this World Cup. However, with Ramos on the side, Portugal will be tough to beat. Hence, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarterfinal’s Morocco vs Portugal match will be a close game.
Ronaldo did not threaten to leave World Cup: Portugal coach
Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave the World Cup after being dropped from the starting lineup to play Switzerland in the round of 16, Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Friday.
Santos did acknowledge his star player was “not happy” to be told he was not in the starting lineup in a private meeting on Tuesday after lunch, hours before the game.
Ronaldo’s replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored three goals in 6-1 win. The all-time leading scorer for Portugal came off the bench in the 74th minute.
READ: Croatia end Brazil's dream of 6th World Cup
“Cristiano obviously was not very happy about it. He told me ‘Do you really think it’s a good idea?’” Santos said one day before facing Morocco in the quarterfinals.
“He has never told me that he wanted to leave the national team,” Santos said in translated comments, dismissing reports in Portuguese media. “It is time we stopped with this conversation and the controversies. He celebrated all the goals that we scored.”
“It is time for you to leave Ronaldo alone in acknowledgement of what he did for Portuguese football,” the coach said.
Santos declined to say if he would change the team and restore Ronaldo to face Morocco.
Croatia end Brazil's dream of 6th World Cup
Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup on Friday, beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals for the second straight time.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved a penalty attempt by Rodrygo and Marquinhos later hit the post.
The match had finished 1-1 after extra time, with both goals coming in the additional 30 minutes. Neymar scored late in the first half of extra time to give Brazil the lead, but Croatia equalized when Bruno Petkovic scored in the 117th.
Neymar’s goal moved him into a tie with Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals.
Croatia will next face either Argentina or the Netherlands to try to return to the World Cup final four years after losing the title to France.
Read more: Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Neymar ties Pelé’s all-time record with Brazil at World Cup
Neymar moved into a tie with Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals on Friday.
The Brazil forward scored in the first half of extra time of his team’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Croatia.
Neymar scored with a right-footed shot after getting through the defense and dribbling past the Croatia goalkeeper to match Pelé’s record. He entered the tournament two goals shy of the milestone, and scored his 76th in the round of 16 against South Korea after returning from an ankle injury.
Read: Messi resumes World Cup quest as Argentina plays Netherlands
Pelé remained in a hospital in Brazil treating a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19. The latest medical report said the 82-year-old Pelé, who last year had surgery to remove a colon tumor, was doing OK.
The 30-year-old Neymar scored his 77 goals in 124 matches for Brazil. Pelé’s goals came in 92 appearances with the national team between 1957 and 1971.
Ronaldo, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, is third on the list with 62 goals in 98 matches.
Neymar first played for Brazil as an 18-year-old in 2010. He is trying to win his first major title with the national team. Pelé won three World Cups, including as a 17-year-old in the 1958 tournament. He also helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1962 and 1970.
Neymar is playing in his third World Cup and is the only other Brazil player other than Pelé and Ronaldo to score in three different World Cups. He helped the Seleçao win the 2013 Confederations Cup and its first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Neymar damaged ligaments in his ankle in Brazil’s opening win against Serbia, and his participation in the rest of the tournament was in doubt because of the injury. He made it back to the starting lineup after missing two group games, and played about 80 minutes in Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea on Monday.
Read: Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run
He was knocked out of the 2014 World Cup after hurting his back in the quarterfinals against Colombia. Brazil eventually lost to Germany 7-1 in the semifinals.
The right ankle had already caused Neymar problems in the past, being among a series of injuries since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Another right ankle sprain forced him to miss the 2019 Copa América, which Brazil won.
Tigers aim for a clean sweep over India
Bangladesh are all set to take on India in the third ODI on Saturday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
After winning the first two matches of the series in Dhaka, Bangladesh have capitalized on a magical batting display by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and strong bowling performances from Shakib Al Hasan and Ebadot Hossain. In the second match, Mahmdullah Riyad also shone with the bat. All eyes will be on the Bangladeshi lineup as they look to clinch a clean sweep against their longtime rivals.
Despite being placed in a precarious position on both occasions, Bangladesh were able to quickly rebound and demonstrate why they are the superior team on the challenging surfaces of Mirpur.
READ: Bangladesh escape Rohit scare to seal ODI series win against India
In a heartbreaking second match on December 7, India narrowly lost by five runs despite a heroic batting display from Rohit Sharma, who had battled through an injury to his hand. Unfortunately, this injury has ruled him out from the final ODI, and he remains uncertain for the upcoming Test series beginning on December 14 in Chattogram. The Indian team will have to rally in Sharma's absence if they hope to take the series.
“We have a much better chance with him not playing,” Shane McDermott, Bangladesh’s fielding coach, said about the unavailability of Rohit in the last match. “He is such a high-caliber player. I was a bit surprised that he didn’t come to bat earlier (in the second game).”
It was only the second ODI series win over India for Bangladesh, with the first one coming in 2015.
As Bangladesh aim to achieve a rare clean sweep over India, their bowling-all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed that they were anticipating a fiercely competitive series. The Bangladeshi team have been in formidable form during the series, and it remains to be seen if India can make a comeback and salvage the final match.
READ: More confident as a batter now, says Mehidy after heroics against India
“Bangladesh is one of the tough teams in the subcontinent,” he said on Thursday ahead of the final ODI. “I’m sure they will look for a great outing in the next World Cup next year.”
The final ODI will begin at 12pm (Bangladesh time). After the ODI series, both teams will lock horns in the two-match Test series.
Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run
These really are pinch-yourself times for Morocco: A first ever spot in the quarterfinals of a World Cup — the first to take place in the Arab world, no less — and now a meeting with Portugal and its superstar striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Well, maybe.
Because Ronaldo has again managed to steal the spotlight in his inimitable way, even bumping Morocco’s historic run to the last eight off the top of the agenda ahead of Saturday’s narrative-laden match.
Read: Messi resumes World Cup quest as Argentina plays Netherlands
Will he start, or won’t he? That’s the big question being asked about Ronaldo after he was dropped by Portugal coach Fernando Santos for the 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Not only was the five-time world player of the year relegated to the bench, his replacement — 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos — scored a hat trick to leave Santos with quite the selection dilemma against Morocco.
The announcement of Portugal’s team some 90 minutes before the game is keenly awaited as Ronaldo prepares to play in the quarterfinals of the World Cup for just the second time in his glittering career. Portugal is at this stage for only the third time, perhaps surprising given the talent to have come from the country down the years.
As for Morocco, the nation is in uncharted territory after becoming only the fourth African country to reach the quarterfinals at soccer’s biggest tournament, after Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010). None of them reached the semifinals. Morocco is also the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight in Qatar.
Its penalty-shootout victory over Spain in the last 16 sparked wild celebrations not just among its many fans in Qatar but at home and also in the Moroccan diaspora of around 5 million people spread mostly around Europe, which has united behind the World Cup run of the team nicknamed the “Atlas Lions.”
Morocco fans poured into the streets of European cities to celebrate the team’s passage to the quarterfinals, which came after Morocco advanced from a group containing second-ranked Belgium and 2018 runner-up Croatia.
The team is coached by Walid Regragui, who was born in France, and 14 of the 26 players in the squad were born abroad — the highest proportion for any team at a World Cup being held in the Middle East for the first time in its 92-year history.
The Arab world’s standard bearer, Morocco is in the quarterfinals on merit, too. The team has only conceded one goal — and that was an own-goal against Canada — and is proving so well-organized, with a sturdy back four headlined by Achraf Hakimi, a dedicated midfield anchorman in Sofyan Amrabat, two mercurial wingers in Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal, and a striker in Youssef En-Nesyri who occupies defenses with his relentless work rate.
Read: Brazil want to keep dancing against Croatia
Three key players might be struggling to be healthy enough to play against Portugal, though. Amrabat said he played with a back injury requiring painkilling injections in the match against Spain, during which captain Romain Saiss finished the game with his leg bandaged up after treatment and fellow center back Nayef Aguerd hobbled off in tears with an apparent thigh injury.
Portugal doesn’t appear to have such problems, with Santos’ squad depth so impressive that he could afford to leave players like Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves on the bench against Switzerland after they started every group game.
Santos said he picks his team according to the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent but it will be a surprise if he makes any changes after a match that thrust Portugal among the tournament favorites.
Even if he starts as a substitute again, Ronaldo — playing in his likely last World Cup — is expected to see some time on the field. Given the drama constantly surrounding him, he’s sure to be a talking point whatever happens.
Messi resumes World Cup quest as Argentina plays Netherlands
Lionel Messi up against Virgil van Dijk. The youngest coach at the World Cup taking on the oldest. South America versus Europe. A back catalog of famous meetings.
The quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands on Friday has all the ingredients of a classic.
And the possibility of it being Messi’s final game on soccer’s biggest stage just adds to the anticipation.
The seven-time world player of the year is three wins away from achieving his ultimate dream but he has two people, in particular, blocking his path.
First, the not inconsiderable frame of Van Dijk, who has been one of the world’s best defenders over the past five years. If there’s anyone able to stop Messi on one of his trademark dribbles, it is the graceful Liverpool center back who combines pace with a great reading of the game.
And then there’s Louis van Gaal, the wily tactician who is 71, has recently undergone successful treatment for prostate cancer, and is now plotting to win the World Cup in perhaps the final job of his 26-year coaching career.
read more: Brazil want to keep dancing against Croatia
Van Gaal, who has long been one of the most charismatic characters in soccer, is approaching this task with a lot of fun — even on the eve of one of the biggest matches of his career.
On Thursday, he was told that Angel Di Maria, who plays for Argentina, thinks he is the worst coach he has ever played under following their time together at Manchester United in 2014-15.
Van Gaal said it was a pity Di Maria felt this way — “he is one of the few players to have said that,” he remarked, “as usually it is the other way round” — and added he once had a falling-out with Netherlands captain Memphis Depay, who was sitting next to him.
Read more: Messi’s sidekick Julián Álvarez flourishing at the World Cup
“Now we kiss each other,” Van Gaal said, leaning toward Depay with his arms out.
Van Gaal was also asked how he was planning to stop Messi — a question for which many coaches down the years have failed to come up with an answer.
“It’d be pretty stupid to reveal your own tactics,” he said, smiling. “But it’s not that difficult to come up with any answer. You could have come up with an answer yourself. You may want to block and close the passing lines. Am I right, Memphis?”
As for his Argentina counterpart, the 44-year-old Lionel Scaloni is a comparative novice after taking charge of his country in 2018 for his first senior coaching role. Still, he has already led Argentina to the Copa America title last year — the country’s first major trophy since 1993 — and has managed to steady his team after a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in its opening group game.
While Van Gaal was predicting a tight match that will be settled by a “decisive moment,” Scaloni said it will be a “beautiful game because we are talking about two national teams willing to attack but who can also defend.”
It’s set to be a clash of styles between two of soccer’s historic powerhouses, with Argentina — a two-time champion — preferring to play a possession game and the Dutch — three times a beaten finalist — now typically playing on the counterattack under Van Gaal.
They have met in some high-profile World Cup games, none bigger than the 1978 final won by Argentina on home soil. There was also a last-16 match in 1998, won by the Netherlands thanks to a wonderful 90th-minute goal by Dennis Bergkamp, and then a penalty-shootout win by Argentina in the semifinals in 2014.
Messi played in that game and was kept relatively quiet by a team also coached by Van Gaal. Eight years later, Messi is still Argentina’s star player and put in his best performance in this World Cup in the 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16.
“The tournament is starting tomorrow for us, for real,” Van Gaal said. “Although I don’t want to downplay the importance of the other countries we have beaten, Argentina and then potentially Brazil in the next round are different countries than those we played up to now.”
Scaloni was pressed on the fitness of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who might be a doubt according to some reports in the Argentine media, but gave little away.
Brazil want to keep dancing against Croatia
Brazil wants to keep the dancing going at the World Cup when it faces Croatia on Friday with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
The Brazilians have made it clear they will not back from their goal celebrations in Qatar despite criticism by some.
“It’s part of the Brazilian culture,” Brazil coach Tite said Thursday. “It’s not about disrespecting our opponents. It’s just who we are.”
Tite himself was dancing with his players after Brazil scored in the 4-1 win against South Korea in the round of 16 on Monday. Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane was among those criticizing the Brazilians for their dancing.
Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior also promised more dancing if Brazil keeps succeeding.
Read more: Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
“The goal is the most important moment in soccer, not only for those who score them but for the entire country,” said Vinícius Júnior, who had already been criticized for his dances while with Real Madrid. “We still have many celebrations left, and hopefully we can keep scoring and dancing like this until the final.”
Brazilian players had said before the tournament started that they had several goal celebrations prepared ahead of time.
To keep dancing, though, Brazil will have to get past a tough Croatia side that is led by Luka Modric and trying to return to the World Cup final four years after falling short of the title against France.
“We want to do more,” Modric said. “We must not be satisfied only with reaching the quarterfinals. We know that we have a strong opponent ahead of us. We have our own strengths and we have faith in ourselves.”
Modric knows some of the Brazilians well, as he plays with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Éder Militão at Madrid, which also had Casemiro in the squad until recently. Vinícius Júnior said Modric was a reference for him, and that he learned a lot from the 37-year-old veteran midfielder.
“It’s very nice to hear Vini compliment me. He is a great guy and we have a very strong relationship,” Modric said. “He’s made progress since joining Real Madrid and has been showing that at the World Cup. We have a difficult task to try to stop him. If I can give my teammates a tip or two on how to neutralize him and on how to make his job more difficult, of course I’ll do it.”
Like Brazil, Croatia conceded only twice so far at the World Cup. The team defeated Canada 4-1 before 0-0 draws against Morocco and Belgium in the group stage. Croatia drew 1-1 with Japan in extra time in the round of 16, eventually winning in a penalty shootout.
Read more: Which World Cup starlet can replace Messi, Ronaldo?
Four of the last five matches by Croatia at World Cups have gone to extra time. The national team has been successful in seven of its last nine knockout matches at the tournament.
“They have great quality and a lot of resiliency,” Tite said. “Brazil will try to keep doing what has worked so far, and then we’ll see which team can advance.”
Brazil is looking for the team’s first victory over a European team in the knockout stage of the World Cup since the South Americans’ win against Germany in the 2002 final.
Brazil opened this tournament with wins over Serbia and Switzerland before losing to Cameroon with the team’s reserve squad in its final group game. The Seleção dominated from the start in its win against South Korea in the last 16.
Neymar, another Brazilian who celebrated by dancing, is set to start again after returning to the lineup against South Korea following a right ankle injury sustained in the opening win against Serbia.
Danilo, who also had been nursing an ankle injury, was expected to start as well, but left back Alex Sandro, who was returning from a hip injury, isn’t likely to be in the mix against Croatia.
Brazil will be playing in its eighth straight World Cup quarterfinal, and 14th overall — joint-most with Germany. The national team has lost three of its last four quarterfinal appearances, and was embarrassed as the host nation in the 2014 semifinal in a 7-1 defeat to Germany.