The Netherlands and Argentina meet in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup on December 9 in Lusail. This will be the sixth confrontation between Dutch and Argentinians in the final phase of the World Cup. A look back at five matches that have sometimes marked the history of football.
The first confrontation between the two nations in the final phase of the World Cup turns largely to the advantage of the Europeans, winners 4-0 in the second round. The Dutch, unfortunate future finalists (2-1 defeat against West Germany), won thanks to a first stroke of genius from Johan Cruyff, who eliminated the Argentinian goalkeeper Daniel Carnevali with a hook. Defender Ruud Krol then scores with a low shot, before winger Johnny Rep widens the gap with a header. Then, Cruyff delivers the coup de grace by half-volleying a shot that Carnevali deflects. Humiliated, the Argentinians will take their revenge four years later.
And what revenge! In front of their home crowd, the Argentinians won against the Oranjes after a legendary final. In a molten Monumental stadium, star Mario Kempes opened the scoring with an unbalanced shot. The Batavians, however, snatch the extension thanks to a whim from striker Dick Nanninga. Period during which the Albiceleste made the difference: first on a superb rush from Kempes, who tried twice to deceive to deceive goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed; then on another from the Argentine leader, concluded thanks to a double one-two by winger Daniel Bertoni. Victory 3-1 AP.
Despite a squad filled with charismatic players – from Javier Zanetti, to Gabriel Batistuta, via Diego Simeone – Argentina, who equalized via Claudio Lopez, must submit to the talent of a player: Denis Bergkamp. On the first Dutch goal, following a cross from Ronald De Boer, the striker puts the ball back with a diving header as precise as it is unpredictable. Patrick Kluivert, who followed, strikes from the penalty spot. Then, at the very end of a meeting poisoned by the expulsions of the Dutchman Arthur Numan and the Argentinian Ariel Ortega, the Netherlands make the difference. On a long opener from Frank De Boer, Bergkamp controls the ball from the area, puts defender Roberto Ayala in the wind with a rake then adjusts goalkeeper Carlos Roa with a shot from the outside of the right foot: 2-1, final score. The Brazilians will however stop the Europeans on penalties (4-2, 1-1 AP), in the semi-finals.
2006, the most frustrating
At kick-off, the two teams already have 6 points and are qualified for the round of 16 but still want to finish first in the group. The following ? A host of clear chances for the Argentinians, the Dutch defender Khalid Boularouz in particular sending the ball on his own right upright. But the score did not move (0-0) and the Netherlands finished second. The Oranjes will be eliminated in the round of 16 by Portugal, while Argentina will be dismissed by Germany in the quarter-finals, on penalties.
There too, it is 0-0 at the end of regulation time. But this time, a winner is needed for this semi-final in Brazil. After a tense extra time, Argentina escaped on penalties (4-2). This Dutch golden generation comes up against Argentinians sure of their strength, at both ends of the field. An Albiceleste who will nevertheless lose in the final against Germany (1-0 AP) while the Netherlands will take third place in the tournament after a 3-0 victory against the Brazilians.