World Cup
Dec 9, 2022 7.00pm
2
2
HT : 0 1
ET Lusail Iconic Stadium
  • Wout Weghorst 83' goal
  • Wout Weghorst 90'+11' goal
  • goal Nahuel Molina 35'
  • goal Lionel Messi 73'

Team News: Lisandro Martinez starts in back three for Argentina against the Netherlands

Lisandro Martinez starts in back three for Argentina against the Netherlands

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has been named in Argentina's starting lineup for this evening's World Cup 2022 quarter-final clash against the Netherlands at Lusail Stadium.

The 24-year-old, who has started only once in four games in Qatar, replaces Papu Gomez in Lionel Scaloni first XI, with La Albiceleste expected to switch from a four-man defence to a back three.

Martinez is set to start on the left side of the back three which also includes Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero, while Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna will operate as wing-backs.

Despite doubts about his fitness earlier in the week, Rodrigo De Paul retains his place in centre-midfield and is joined in the middle of the pitch by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.

Seven-time Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi, who is looking to equal or surpass Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time record goalscorer at the World Cup, leads the line in attack alongside Julian Alvarez, while Angel di Maria begins again on the bench.

As for the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal has also made just one change to his starting lineup following their 3-1 win over the USA in the last 16, with Steven Bergwijn replacing Davy Klaassen.

Bergwijn is set to operate in behind attackers Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, who have scored four of the Oranje's eight goals in Qatar.

The winners of this quarter-final contest will face Croatia in the semi-finals, after they stunned Brazil on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Argentina starting lineup: E. Martinez; Romero, Otamendi, Li. Martinez; Molina, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Acuna; Messi, Alvarez

Subs: Armini, Rulli, Foyth, Tagliafico, Paredes, Pezzella, La. Martinez, Gomez, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Di Maria, Dybala, G. Rodriguez, Montiel

Netherlands starting lineup: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, F. De Jong, De Roon, Blind; Bergwijn; Gakpo, Depay

Subs: Pasveer, Bijlow, De Ligt, De Vrij, Klaassen, L. De Jong, Berghuis, Lang, Malacia, Janssen, Weghorst, Koopmeiners, Taylor, Simons, Frimpong

POLL
Who will win Friday's World Cup clash between Netherlands and Argentina?
Netherlands 36%
Argentina 64%
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