Argentina and Netherlands will rekindle their World Cup
rivalry on Friday as they face each other yet another time in Qatar 2022. While
the Dutch, who are widely considered the best team to have not won a World Cup (finalists in 1974,78 and 2010), will be keen on trying to break the jinx, Argentina
will try to put their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time since 1986.

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Here are a few key things that will generate interest in the
match

1.      
Messi mania – Despite being 35-years-old and
playing in his fifth and potentially last World Cup, the Argentine legend has
turned the clock back with a series of superlative performances in the event.
While Argentina struggled to find its act together after a shock first round
defeat to Saudi Arabia, it has been Lionel Messi who has single-handedly led the team,
also putting up a terrific show in the pre-quarters against Australia.
Netherlands will be wary of Messi’s damage potential.

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2.      
Historic Rivalry – The two sides have faced each
other five times in the World Cups with the score being 2.5-2.5. While the
Dutch won in 1974 World Cup, Argentina won their first World Cup by beating
Netherlands in 1978 and also won the previous match between the two in the last-four
in 2014. Friday’s match will see either of the two taking a lead as far as the
World Cup head-to-head is concerned.

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3.      
Young Dutch attack – The Dutch attack has
depended heavily on its young stars. While Cody Gakpo scored three goals in
three matches and played a vital role in the team’s round-robin performance, Denzel
Dumfries was crucial for the side’s victory over USMNT in the pre-quarters and became
the third player from the country after Johan Cruyff and Rob Resenbrink to
participate in 3 or more goals at the World Cup.

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4.      
Efficiency at the goals – Goalie Andries Noppert
has been a man on a mission for the Dutch as he has thus far only conceded two goals and stopped 15 shots on target at an efficiency rate of 88.2 percent.
Barring a major hiccup against Saudi when their only two shots on target got converted
as goals, Martinez has stepped up his game and has since been an asset for
Albicelestes, playing a major role in warding off a late Aussie surge to help
Argentina win 2-1 in the pre-quarters.

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5.      
Promise for the future – 22-year-old Julian
Alvarez has been a fresh addition to the team since the critical final group stage
game over Poland and with a goal on Friday will be the youngest player since Teófilo Cubillas of Peru to score goals in all the
first three games at the World Cup. Cristian Romero’s role as a defender will be keenly
watched as he will face a fresh and lethal Dutch attack.