Di Maria, Louis Van Gaal Meet Again in Netherlands vs Argentina World Cup Clash

• Angel Di Maria could exact his revenge on his Manchester United boss, Louis Van Gaal
• The two traded blame after Di Maria's stint in England, where he lasted for one season
• Di Maria is in a race against time to be fit after missing Argentina's win against Australia

The Netherlands vs Argentina clash will have an interesting storyline when the two giants clash on Friday in a World Cup quarter-final match.

La Albiceleste star Angel Di Maria will face his previous tormentor in Louis Van Gaal, who is currently the Head Coach of the Oranjes.

The duo have an awkward relationship after their stint at Manchester United failed to take off. Di Maria moved to Old Trafford in 2014 after a highly successful career at Real Madrid.

Di Maria at Manchester United

Van Gaal had also, at that time, taken over from the embattled David Moyes. Di Maria lasted for only one season in England before joining Paris Saint-Germain.

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He later blamed Van Gaal for his failure at the Red Devils.

"It was not the best time of my career, or rather I was not allowed to spend my best time there. There were complications with the coach at the time," he said as quoted by Bleacher Report.

Van Gaal's response

The current Juventus winger admonished Van Gaal for being extra-critical and savage with his comments.

The Dutch manager fired back at Di Maria by saying:

"I have never seen players who look at themselves, who look to the way they have performed here, and that is always the fault of the manager."

The two are now set for a tense reunion at the Lusail Stadium. Di Maria is arguably Argentina's best performer after Lionel Messi, while Van Gaal has never lost a World Cup match - save on penalties.

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Holland's day out

Sports Brief had earlier reported that the players of the Netherlands spent their downtime on a yacht, after sealing qualification to the quarter-finals.

The Dutch punched their ticket to the World Cup last eight with a comfortable 3-1 victory over the United States of America, setting up a date with tournament favourites Argentina.

Following their qualification, manager Van Gaal gave his team a day off to recharge and refresh. Ahead of their crucial clash with La Albiceleste on December 9, players spent the day in a relaxed setting.