Chris Boline
- Netherlands v Argentina
- Friday, December 9, 2022, 14:00 ET
- At the Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
The Netherlands has progressed smoothly through the World Cup so far, but it faces a stern test in the upcoming quarter final against Argentina.
Who do Bettors Favor?
According to the best-rated online sportsbooks it seems that bettors are favoring Argentina to emerge as the winners from this game. Argentina is the +120 favorite to win this game in normal time, with the Netherlands rated at between +248 and +265 and the draw available at +218.
| Netherlands v Argentina |  |  |  |
| Netherlands | +265 | +248 | +260 |
| Draw | +225 | +218 | +215 |
| Argentina | +122 | +124 | +120 |
World Cup Quarter-Final Betting Briefing
These are two of the highest profile soccer nations in the world, with proud World Cup histories. Argentina has won the tournament in 1978 and 1986, and finished as runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2018, while the Netherlands has produced some of the best teams never to win the tournament, losing in the finals of 1974, 1978 and 2010, and is this year marking its return to the World Cup after missing the 2018 edition.
Not surprisingly, these teams have met numerous times over the years, including five encounters at the World Cup. Their first meeting came at the 1974 tournament when the famous Dutch team of Johan Cruyff thrashed Argentina 4-0 on its way to the World Cup final.
Four years later, Argentina turned the tables on the Netherlands at the 1978 tournament, which it hosted. Meeting in the final, Argentina edged out its European rival 2-1 to lift the trophy for the first time.
The two teams met again twenty years later in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in France, and played out an enthralling contest, which was won by the Netherlands, courtesy of a spectacular Dennis Bergkamp goal in the 90th minute.
Eight years on, the two teams were drawn in the same Group at the 2006 World Cup, but this encounter failed to live up to previous games, as the two teams played out a 0-0 draw. The fifth and latest game between Argentina and the Netherlands also finished 0-0, but this match was far more tense and took place at the semi-final stage of the 2014 tournament, when Argentina eventually won on penalties.
Netherlands Yet to be Tested
The Netherlands has made smooth progress through the World Cup so far, but it has yet to be seriously tested. The victories over Senegal and Qatar in the Group stage were efficient if unspectacular, there was a draw against Ecuador in arguably its toughest game so far and then a more impressive win over the USA in the Round of 16, although the USA is a mid-ranking team at best.
This is where the tournament gets serious for the Netherlands, however. On the plus side, it seems as though Louis van Gaal’s team has been improving throughout the previous games. Against the USA, there was an impressive passing move leading to a goal for Memphis Depay, which was notable both for its style and for the fact that Depay looks back to his best form.
So far, the Netherlands has looked like a defensively solid, well organised team with limited ability to create chances. This is its chance to prove it can be something more than that.
Argentina Showing Resolve
After going into the tournament as one of the favorites, Argentina lost its first game at the World Cup, to Saudi Arabia, a shock that reverberated around the soccer world. Previous Argentina teams might have thrown in the towel at this point, but the 2022 version is not in that mould.
Argentina showed impressive resolve to bounce back in its second game, beating Mexico 2-0, before finishing off its Group C campaign with a comfortable win over Poland. Like the Netherlands, it faced a relatively straightforward Round of 16 opponent in Australia, but had little difficulty in progressing.
Previous Argentina teams have promised much but delivered little, but this is a well organised, balanced line-up with the right blend of youth and experience, and strong performers in each position, along with an inspirational leader in Lionel Messi who is determined to sign off his World Cup career in style.
World Cup Quarter-Final Match Betting
Going back to 1978, encounters between these teams at the World Cup have tended to be close, and this quarter-final clash is likely to be no different.
The Netherlands’ strength is in its defensive individuals and organization, and this game is sure to be cautious and tactical for long periods of time. We probably can’t expect many goals, and a normal time draw might well be the outcome, but ultimately Argentina has proven its resolve and mental strength in this competition and with more creativity and goalscoring power in its ranks, is the best bet to advance to the semi-finals.
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