World Cup

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World Cup | Quarter-Finals

Dec 9, 2022 at 7pm UK

Lusail Iconic Stadium

Netherlands
2 - 2
Argentina

Weghorst (83', 90+11')
Maduro (43'), Bergwijn (44'), Weghorst (45+2'), Depay (76'), Berghuis (88'), Dumfries (128'), Lang (128')
Dumfries (128')

FT
(aet)

Molina (35'), Messi (73' pen.)
Acuna (43'), Romero (45'), Martinez (76'), Paredes (89'), Messi (90+10'), Scaloni (90'), Otamendi (90+11'), Montiel (109'), Pezzella (112')

Argentina win 4-3 on penalties

World Cup 2022: Why to expect goals between the Netherlands and Argentina

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

Published: December 8 2022 | 16:25

Last updated: December 10 2022 | 17:08

World Cup 2022: Why to expect goals between the Netherlands and Argentina

Ahead of Friday's World Cup 2022 quarter-final between the Netherlands and Argentina, Sports Mole looks at why to expect goals at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

A mouthwatering World Cup 2022 quarter-final takes place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday evening, as the Netherlands meet Argentina.

Oranje progressed from Group A in first place before seeing off the USA 3-1 in the last 16, with Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries making the net ripple.

Meanwhile, the Copa America winners - who topped Group C - were handed a late scare against Australia following Enzo Fernandez's own goal but nevertheless ran out 2-1 winners thanks to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez's efforts.

Both Louis van Gaal and Lionel Scaloni have been treated to a glut of goals from their attacking forces in recent months, but fans have been forced to witness a plethora of 0-0 draws at the 2022 World Cup so far.

However, supporters should not anticipate another dull goalless affair between two sides who boast some effervescent talent in the final third, with the Netherlands and Argentina both enjoying hot streaks in front of goal.

Indeed, the Dutch have impressively found the back of the net in each of their last 19 matches in all competitions, racking up 47 in total at an average of nearly two and a half per game.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Australia in the World Cup on December 3, 2022 © Reuters

Even though Cody Gakpo could not score in a fourth successive World Cup game against the USA, his strike partner Depay was on hand to make it 24 goals in his last 30 international matches, as well as 10 assists.

Furthermore, Blind and Dumfries's strikes against the Yanks demonstrates that the Dutch carry a goal threat in all areas of the field, while their South American counterparts know a thing or two about putting the ball into the back of the net as well.

Argentina cannot match the Netherlands' 19-game scoring streak, but the Copa America winners have struck in their last 13 matches across all tournaments and have no shortage of quality attacking options.

Neither Paulo Dybala nor Lautaro Martinez have been able to force their way into the first team, which speaks volumes about Scaloni's formidable attacking ranks, and the Argentina boss should also have creative hub Angel di Maria back from an adductor issue in time for the quarter-final.

In addition, Messi's trademark finish against Australia marked his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal, and having broken that duck, the strikes should now flow for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in his World Cup swansong.