Andries Noppert: Dutch Goalie Talks Big Ahead of Showdown With Messi

• Dutch custodian Andries Noppert is unfazed about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi
• The 28-year-old highlighted the Messi attempt saved by Poland's Wojciech Szczesny
• Noppert has impressed in Qatar as the Netherlands conceded just twice in four games

Holland goalkeeper Andries Noppert has backed himself to beat Lionel Messi on penalty shoot-outs.

The 6 foot 8 inch tall shot-stopper is in high spirits ahead of the Netherlands' quarter-final showdown with Messi's Argentina, thanks to his sterling performance in the World Cup so far.

Noppert referenced Messi's penalty blip against Poland, which made the Argentine equal an unwanted record of missing two penalties in the history of the World Cup, Opta Jose reports.

"He can miss, as we saw at the beginning of this tournament," the 28-year-said via Daily Mail, in reference to a penalty that was saved by Poland's Wojciech Szczesny in the group stage.

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The Heerenveen goalie, who made his international debut in Holland's opening game against Senegal, insisted Messi's human nature gives him a fair chance to save a penalty against the Argentine genius.

"He always uses the same leg to kick just like any other human being. Sure, he's good, but so am I. I can save a penalty."

Messi angry with penalty miss

Sports Brief reported on Messi breaking his silence after missing from the spot during Argentina's 2-0 triumph against Poland at Stadium 974 on November 30.

Messi had previously scored from the penalty spot in La Albiceleste's shock loss to Saudi Arabia, and was touted to increase his goal tally from 12 yards when the unexpected occurred.

The 35-year-old saw his penalty saved by Poland's goalkeeper Szczęsny, chalking an unenviable record of becoming the first player to have two penalties saved in the World Cup.

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Dutch coach reveals Messi's weakness

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal has revealed he has spotted flaws in Messi's game.

Van Gaal's Holland are on a collision course with Argentina, for a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His side remains one of the few unbeaten sides in the tournament and he claims to have hatched a perfect plan to combat the threat of Messi, who has scored three goals so far in the tournament.