Match preview
The Netherlands will face Argentina in the first match of the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The game will kick off on December 9 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which will later host the tournament final. The Netherlands made it to the play-offs after finishing first in Group A and then beating the United States in the Round of 16. Argentina also topped their group, before defeating Australia in the first round of the play-offs. According to the Netherlands vs Argentina odds, the bookmakers favour the South Americans. Read more about the odds below.
The Netherlands will play in the World Cup quarter-finals for the seventh time, with only one elimination at this stage. For the South American team the upcoming quarter-final is already the ninth in the history, and four times this round was the last for them. Let's take a look at the teams' performances at the 2022 World Cup and give our the Netherlands vs Argentina prediction.
The Netherlands started the tournament with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Senegal. The teams played evenly and were unable to score for a long 84 minutes. Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen then capitalised on their team's strengths - tall players and counter-attacks. The second match in the tournament against Ecuador (1-1) was also a tough one, with the South Americans hitting towards Louis van Gaal's net 13 times against just two shots from the Netherlands, so the final draw could be called a fortunate result. The third round match against the tournament hosts, Qatar, was much less tense - 2-0 with a considerable playing advantage and another goal by rising star Cody Gakpo. In the Round of 16, the Netherlands beat the United States 3-1. The Europeans managed to create a comfortable lead and save energy. That was an unbelievable performance from midfielder Denzel Dumfries who provided two assists and scored once.
Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi's team were among the top five contenders to win the World Cup, according to bookmakers at the start of the tournament. Today, experts place Argentina in the third place behind Brazil and France. The tournament began for La Albiceleste with a sensational 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia. The South Americans showed a decent game, had a total advantage in all the statistical indicators, sent several balls into the opponent's net, but only one goal was scored. Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina through sheer motivation, but did not achieve more in the tournament. In the "match for life" between Argentina and Mexico, the national team leader, Lionel Messi, was brilliant, with a goal and an assist. In the final round of the group stage, the fans finally got to see the real La Albiceleste. The game with Poland (2-0) was one-sided, the opponents failed to hit a single shot on goal, while the Argentines had 13 attempts. In the Round of 16, they faced a less formidable Australian team, but the favourites nearly missed out on victory in regular time. Messi and Julián Álvarez created a comfortable lead, but in the end the Argentines allowed the opponents to reduce the gap, conceding several dangerous attacks but holding on for a 2-1 win.
Netherlands vs Argentina odds
The bookmakers believe that Argentina are favourites to win the quarter-final. On the popular betting websites, the Netherlands vs Argentina betting odds are around 2.20 (6/5) on Argentina to win in regular time, 3.20 (11/5) on a draw, and 3.70 (27/10) on the Netherlands to win after 90 minutes.
Netherlands vs Argentina prediction
Moving on to the Netherlands vs Argentina tips, it is worth noting that the European team has not shown the brightest game in this tournament. But van Gaal's players get results through good organisation and a counter-attacking style. Argentina, by nature, always play an attacking game, but they don't succeed in every match. Both in the group stage and against Australia, Leo Messi and company struggled to break down the opponents' defence.
On December 9, the fans will see the Dutch team's organised defence clash with a massive Argentine attack led by the great Messi. However, the Dutch have brought a decent attacking line to the tournament too: Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen have already shown that they can create problems for the opponents' defence. We assume that the Netherlands will be able to capitalise on the chances provided by the Argentine defenders. Our prediction is a goal for the Netherlands in regular time. The bookmakers provide the odds of 1.60 (3/5) for this option.
Free tips
Besides prediction, we have also prepared some the Netherlands vs Argentina betting tips, based on statistics:
- 18/18 - The Netherlands have not lost in regular time in 18 consecutive World Cup matches: 14 wins and 4 draws.
- 13/16 - There have been at least two goals scored in 13 out of 16 the Netherlands' last World Cup matches. Argentina's similar streak has now lasted eight matches.
- 15/18 - The Netherlands have scored in 15 of their last 18 World Cup matches. Argentina have not conceded just twice in their last eight games.