Argentina are back in the World Cup Quarterfinals. They meet Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side that are tactically flexible and a collective. Albicelestes got here after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia. After righting the ship with 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland, they survived Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16. A spectacular first half saw them up just 1-0 at halftime. Late misses from the Socceroos saw the game finish in regular time. They’ve yet to hit their stride or put out a good 90 minute performance. How will Argentina line up and will they be less dependent on Lionel Messi?<\/p>\n
Lionel Scaloni has yet to play the same starting lineup twice in Qatar. However, he made just one change between the final group stage game and the Round of 16: Papu G\u00f3mez in for \u00c1ngel Di Mar\u00eda. Scaloni is rotated his lineup every so slightly from game to game, mostly at the back. Gonzalo Montiel starts one game at right back for Nahuel Molina. Cristian Romero sat one game for Lisandro Mart\u00ednez. Only four players have started all four games: Messi, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, center back <\/span>Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi <\/span>and goalkeeper Dami\u00e1n Emiliano Mart\u00ednez.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Netherlands vs Argentina Predictions and Best Odds for December 9<\/a><\/p>\n In the first two group stage games, Scaloni lined up in a 4-4-2. Since then they’ve gone 4-3-3. They’ve won those two games and looked better. A minor change, but one that has worked in games where Poland and Australia parked the bus. They were able to get numbers forward, break lines, and have players pushed up to win second balls and pin opponents in. They will do something similar in this game. The only time the Dutch looked uncomfortable against the United States was when they were pinned back. Look for Argentina to be slightly less aggressive than they were against Poland as they guard against counter attacks. Expect much of the play to flow through Messi though. This team has relied on him in critical moments so far. It’s hard to see them fixing that issue at this point. If they are to win the World Cup, it will have to be Messi elevating a supporting cast or a one off individual performance to compliment him.<\/p>\n Scaloni is hopeful that Di Mar\u00eda and\u00a0De Paul will be available. Rumors have circulated that De Paul has a hamstring injury and has been limited in training. “They’re doing well. We’re going to see them in training today to decide the line-up,” said Scaloni to Barron’s<\/a>. De Paul has played every minute for Argentina so far. Di Mar\u00eda is the most capped player on this team other than Messi. No players are suspended for this game.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Netherlands Lineup Prediction vs Argentina in World Cup Quarterfinal<\/a><\/p>\n GK – Dibu Mart\u00ednez<\/p>\n RB – Nahuel Molina<\/p>\n CB – Cristian Romero<\/p>\n CB – Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi<\/span><\/p>\n LB – Marcos Acu\u00f1a<\/span><\/p>\n RM – Rodrigo De Paul<\/p>\n CM – Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez<\/p>\n LM – Alexis Mac Allister<\/p>\n LW – Juli\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez<\/p>\n CF – Lionel Messi (C)<\/p>\n RW – Papu G\u00f3mez<\/p>\n Last Word on Football recognizes\u00a0Qatar\u2019s human rights abuses<\/a>\u00a0and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.<\/em><\/p>\nAlbicelestes Recent Form and Tactics<\/h3>\n
Argentina Injuries to Consider<\/h3>\n
Argentina Lineup Prediction<\/h3>\n