Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has identified the one Lionel Messi weakness his side can take advantage of in their 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Argentina on Friday.
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The losing 2010 finalists will take on the Albiceleste in a last eight encounter on Friday, after advancing from the round of 16 following a convincing performance in the group stage.
Argentina, meanwhile, had a stuttering start to their World Cup campaign following their opening-day loss to Saudi Arabia, but pulled things back with wins over Mexico and Poland, before beating Australia 2-1 in the last 16.
Messi has so far played a pivotal role for Lionel Scaloni's team, scoring three goals in his four appearances at the tournament so far, but Van Gaal believes his lack of defensive work can lead to opportunities for the Dutch.
"Messi is the most dangerous creative player, he is able to create a lot and to score goals himself," he told NOS.
"But when they lose the ball and the opponent has possession he doesn't participate much, and this gives us chances [to exploit]."
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The winner of the Netherlands' encounter with Argentina will go up against the winner of Brazil's last eight clash against Croatia in the semi-finals next week.
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