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Argentina fans are enthused by Lionel Scaloni's selection of Lisandro Martinez in their starting XI for their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands on Friday (December 9).
La Albiceleste face Louis van Gaal's men in the second quarterfinal of the quadrennial competition. The two sides will lock horns after Croatia's incredible penalty shootout win over Brazil earlier in the day.
Argentina manager Scaloni has chosen a 5-3-2 formation, with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna are in defence. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister will start in midfield. Lionel Messi captains the side and will start up front with Julian Alvarez in attack.
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Scaloni's inclusion of Martinez has Argentina fans brimming with delight. The Manchester United defender has been in fine form for the Red Devils, making 21 appearances since joining from Ajax in the summer.
Nicknamed 'the Butcher,' he has helped United keep nine clean sheets. The 24-year-old has appeared three times for Scaloni's side at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but has only started once, in the 2-0 win over Mexico. He comes into a new-look defence after Scaloni decided to match the Netherlands by starting five at the back.
Here are some reactions from fans to Martinez starting for the two-time FIFA World Cup winners in their quarterfinal clash with the Oranje:
Messi's route to first FIFA World Cup win with Argentina takes shape
If Scaloni's men beat the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, they will face Croatia in the last four.The Croats heroically saw off favourites Brazil in a dramatic shootout win after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
One of Morocco, Portugal, England or France would meet Scaloni's side if they make the final next Sunday (December 18). Messi, 35, has never won the World Cup and is the only major international trophy conspicuous by its absence in his trophy cabinet.
The Argentine icon is in red-hot form, scoring three goals and providing an assist in four games in Qatar. Albiceleste fans will pin their hopes on the PSG attacker to lead the team to victory against a tricky Dutch side.
Van Gaal's men are unbeaten in Qatar and have been resilient in defence, conceding just two goals. They're also unbeaten in 19 games across competitions. It will be up to Messi and co to break through the Oranje's stern back five.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk lauded Messi before the quarterfinals. However, he added that his side would also have to be wary of other Argentina players. Van Dijk said:
"We are preparing to beat Argentina. Obviously we know how big a part of their success he has been over the years, but it’s not about me, or the Netherlands, against Messi, it’s about the Netherlands against Argentina."
Argentina have not scored in their last three competitive meetings with Netherlands and will have their task cut out.
