World Cup 2022: Real Madrid Icon Predicts Netherlands Victory Against Argentina

• Rafael van der Vaart sees an easy night ahead for the Dutch against Argentina
• The Netherlands are on a collision course with Argentina for a spot in the semi-finals
• Louis Van Gaal's side lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2014 edition

EX-Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is optimistic the Dutch would hammer Argentina and advance to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

La Albiceleste are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments in the Middle East country, having ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Copa America last year in Brazil.

Lionel Messi and his teammates will face the Netherlands in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday evening, with the winner facing either Brazil or Croatia in the semi-finals.

And van der Vaart believes the Oranje will cruise to the next stage as Lionel Scaloni's side pose no threat outside of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

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"It will be easy! 3-0 The Netherlands. Messi showed himself once again this tournament, but the guys around him are.. not so great,” van der Vaart told OP1, via Metro Sports.

Argentina vs Netherlands at the World Cup

The South American giants famously recorded a 3-1 triumph over the Netherlands to win the 1978 FIFA World Cup final in Buenos Aires.

The two powerhouses met again in a 1998 World Cup quarter-finals clash in Paris, with Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp scoring a sublime goal in a 2-1 win to the Dutch.

Eight years ago in Brazil, La Albiceleste clinched a penalty shoot-out victory to book their place in the final.

Noppert eyes Messi showdown

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

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The 6 foot 8 inches tall shot-stopper is in high spirits ahead of Holland's quarterfinal 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.

Dutch coach reveals Messi's weakness

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

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

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