Netherlands hoping for magic moment to defeat Argentina in World Cup, says Memphis Depay

A World Cup 2022 conflict between Netherlands and Argentina evokes recollections of well-known objectives over the many years and Memphis Depay is hoping one other can get the Dutch to the semi-finals in Qatar.

Dutch followers of a sure classic get misty-eyed over recollections of Johan Cruyff masterminding their 4-0 demolition of Argentina in 1974 however then should overlook their 3-1 extra-time defeat in the ultimate 4 years later.

For a barely youthful era there was Dennis Bergkamp’s beautiful quarter-final winner on the 1998 World Cup, definitely a happier reminiscence than dropping the 2014 semi-final on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes – a match which signalled the tip of Louis Van Gaal’s first spell in cost.

Looking forward to Friday’s quarter-final in Qatar, Van Gaal did his greatest to dampen the romanticism, pointing to the extra defensive nature of contemporary soccer, however that would nicely imply it takes a moment of magic to separate the perimeters.

“(Bergkamp’s goal) was an amazing moment for the country, and what a goal,” Depay mentioned. “This game will be decided by moments. We believe we can catch a moment and go through.”

The 71-year-old Van Gaal nodded as he listened to the Barcelona winger.

“Football is no longer being played as it was in 1998 or 1974 or whatever,” he mentioned. “Then it was an open game which it no longer is. Football has evolved but it is always possible, as Memphis has said, to have decisive moments that you remember years later, like Bergkamp’s goal.”

The match provides Van Gaal a chance to settle the rating from 2014 in what may very well be his closing days as a coach. He will step down after this World Cup with Ronald Koeman due to begin work in the brand new yr, and although he plans to cease he mentioned he couldn’t rule out accepting one other position if the best alternative emerged.

“I’m only doing this for the country, it was an emergency situation and I committed to that,” he mentioned. “But you never say never. We had a wonderful example in Dick Advocaat. He is older than me and recently took a job (at 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 go into the match as slight favourites as their type has steadily improved since their shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, however there may be strain on Lionel Scaloni’s staff with this World Cup absolutely Lionel Messi’s closing probability to elevate the trophy.

“We prepare for this match the same way we prepared for all the others,” Scaloni mentioned. “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.”