• Not a great deal has been said so far about a Dutch side that has managed to fly under the radar in Doha, but Van Gaal’s side are one of four unbeaten teams in the tournament.
• If there is a team that has the experience to dig in and try and ride out the Brazilian storm, it is probably Croatia.
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The first two quarterfinals in the World Cup are played on Friday with Argentina facing the Netherlands and Croatia taking on Brazil’s powerful attack. Here are some things to look forward to on a huge day in Doha.
1. Messi, Messi (and the rest)
After his stellar display against Australia, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as he looks to win his first World Cup on what will probably be his last opportunity. It will be interesting to see what tactics wily Dutch coach Louis van Gall has devised to try and stop him.
Messi is obviously the key to Argentina, but as the Netherlands have been at pains to stress, he is not Argentina’s only player, with young striker Julian Alvarez and midfielder Enzo Fernandez also vital to the side. Messi is great, but he can’t do it alone.
2. The Netherlands have a great chance of qualifying
Not a great deal has been said so far about a Dutch side that has managed to fly under the radar in Doha, but Van Gaal’s side are one of four unbeaten teams in the tournament.
The Netherlands cruised through their qualifying group and then used their class to beat the United States in the quarterfinals. The Netherlands were able to soak up pressure when needed and then use the full width of the pitch to open up the Americans three times in their 3-1 win.
Van Gaal has a clear game plan, which involves Frenkie de Jong providing midfield cover and wingbacks, and Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind creating space. Argentina would be wise to be worried.
3. Will Brazil’s attack catch fire again?
Brazil kick off as clear favorites against Croatia after their first-half performance against South Korea saw them lead 4-0 by halftime.
When the Brazilian forwards Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Richarlison and Neymar are on form, they are hard to stop, with their ability to beat their markers and move into space and they left South Korea feeling groggy.
Maybe Brazil’s biggest weakness is their tendency to drift into individualism, especially when it looks as if the game has been resolved, and perhaps the emotion of the chance of winning a World Cup could affect them, as it has in the past when they have impressed and then failed.
However, if the forwards perform for half an hour, you get the feeling that will probably be enough.
4. Can Croatia dig in yet again?
If there is a team that has the experience to dig in and try and ride out the Brazilian storm, it is probably Croatia. The side led by Luka Modric came to Qatar as World Cup runners-up and they did so for a reason.
Croatia have a lot of experience in midfield and defense and if they perhaps lack a killer in the heart of their attack, Ivan Perisic offers intelligent movement and hard work.
Croatia have taken seven of their last eight games in the knockout stage of the World Cup to extra time and that should tell us that they will be no pushover, especially if Modric can get enough of the ball.