Louis van Gaal says the World Cup starts “for real” for the Netherlands on Friday when his side meet Argentina in the highly anticipated quarter-final.
The Netherlands, three-time runners-up at the global finals, take on the South American champions at Lusail Stadium for a place in the semi-finals, with the match a continuation of the long rivalry between the countries at the World Cup.
The pair faced off at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, with the Netherlands winning a second-round match in the former and Argentina gaining the ultimate revenge to triumph in the final four years later.
In 1998, the Dutch prevailed in the quarter-finals – Dennis Bergkamp’s winner is regarded as one of the great World Cup goals – while in 2014 Argentina were victorious in the semi-final on penalties.
Van Gaal, who managed the Netherlands then, led his current side to defeating USA 3-1 in the last 16 on Saturday, with Argentina later seeing off Australia 2-1. The winners will face either Brazil or Croatia in next week’s semi-finals.
“The tournament is actually starting tomorrow for real for us,” Van Gaal said. “Although of course I don’t want to downplay the importance of other countries we were able to beat in the last 16 and the groups before that.
“But Argentina and Brazil, who we will possibly play in the next round, are quite different to the teams we beat in the group stage and last 16.”
Asked how he planned to stop in-form Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Van Gaal said: “We're not going to reveal our tactics to you. It would be pretty stupid to reveal your own tactics.
“But it's not difficult to come up with an answer, you want to block and close the passing lines.”
Van Gaal, 71 and having received treatment this year for prostate cancer, will step down as national team manager after the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman to take over.
Netherlands ratings v USA
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NETHERLANDS RATINGS: Andries Noppert 8 - The giant goalkeeper saved from Pulisic after two minutes, and again from Weah after 42. Two blocks at the start of the second half. Scrambled at the fortunate USA goal, but wise to rush out to stop another attack a minute later. Vital at the end as the USA went for it. AFP -
Virgil van Dijk 7 - Flicked a Pulisic ball away as USA tried to get level. Powerful headers throughout. Blocked a Weah shot on 62. An impenetrable wall at the back for Holland. EPA -
Jurrien Timber 7 - Right of the central defence in the 3-4-1-2 chosen by Van Gaal. Comfortable. AFP -
Nathan Ake 7 - Left of the central three, he did well – starting with getting back to head away a seventh minute USA attack. AFP -
Denzel Dumfries 9 - Played Pulisic on for an early chance, then made an outstanding challenge on Robinson. Set up Holland’s first two goals, both low crosses as he pulled the ball back to a waiting teammate. Supposed to be a full-back, but most effective in attack – especially when he volleyed the third in after 80. AFP -
Daley Blind 9 - On his 98th cap and with his dad on the bench he scored his third goal for his country when he made it 2-0 on 46, a similar goal to the first. He’d moved up from the back to be in a perfect position and his timing to meet the ball left his man behind. Beautiful ball into the box for Dumfries and the third. AFP -
Frenkie De Jong 8 - The Dutch press said Holland have been playing boring football. Louis van Gaal described it as winning football. De Jong isn’t boring but he’s a winner. Doesn’t matter how many players are around him, he always finds his pass. Booked on 87. PA -
Marten de Roon 6 - Calmed everything down after the USA’s powerful start, then helped Holland control the game – even with less possession. AFP -
Davy Klaassen 7 - Holland are unbeaten in 19 since Van Gaal took over and Klaasseen has started in 15 of those games. Off at half time with his side leading 2-0 and Van Gaal keeping an eye on the next game. AFP -
Memphis Depay 8 - Swept Holland in front after nine minutes with their first attack – a stunning 12-pass move from back to front. 22 goals in 24 for his country now. Dipped a shot after 60 was tipped over, then a header on 71 was well saved. EPA -
Cody Gakpo 8 - Swept the ball wide to Dumfries to set up the first. Made a goal line clearance on 49; set up Depay – the pair combine well – on 60. Dropped into midfield. Made key passes. A big talent. AFP -
SUBS: Teun Koopmeiners 6 - On for Klaasen at HT. The Dutch had only four shots on target in their opening two games. The Atalanta midfielder came on and didn’t add to that total. It didn’t matter than USA had more shots on target. Netherlands outclassed them. Booked. AFP -
Steven Bergwijn 6 - On for De Roon at the break, the Ajax winger had a shot from 25 metres on 71. AFP -
Xavi Simons N/A = On for Depay after 82, he was about to make his debut in dramatic circumstances, then Holland scored again and he came on at 3-1. AFP -
Matthijs de Ligt N/A On for Ake after 93 as Van Gaal took any sting out of the USA. Getty -
Wout Weghorst N/A - On for Gakpo on 93. Getty
However, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Manchester United manager would not rule out remaining in management, saying: “I’m only doing this for the country, it was an emergency situation and I committed to that.
“But you never say never. We had a wonderful example in Dick Advocaat. He is older than me and recently took a job [ADO Den Haag].
“If I am presented with a wonderful challenge it could well be I continue to work. But I’m 71, even though I look marvellous.”
Argentina, two-time world champions, have significant pressure on them heading into the encounter, especially given the finals is expected to mark Messi's last on the world stage.
The South Americans, who go into the game as slight favourites, rebounded from their shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to reel off three successive victories.
On Thursday, manager Lionel Scaloni said: “We prepare for this match the same way we prepared for all the others. Of course, there is anxiety, we want the game to start right now. After five or six days we are eager to play, but we are calm. I know the team will break their backs as they have done in the previous games.
“Sometimes we have played well, sometimes not. But we have always faced our opponents. That’s what our people value the most. We know we will give it all on the pitch. Sometimes football can be beautiful. Sometimes football can be cruel.”
