When the Netherlands play Argentina again in the World Cup semi-finals on Friday, forward Memphis Depay stated the team would try to “alter” the memory of their penalty shootout loss in 2014. Dutch hope to ‘change’ 2014 Argentina memories. After eight years since Louis van Gaal’s team came within a shootout of reaching the final in Brazil, the quarterfinal match at Lusail Stadium will add another chapter to one of the tournament’s most famous rivalries.
Dutch hope to ‘change’ 2014 Argentina memories
Depay was a replacement back then, but he should get the nod in the starting lineup this time. With a spot in the semi-finals against either Brazil or Croatia at stake, Van Gaal, in his third stint as manager, knows his team must perform. The tournament will officially begin for us tomorrow, while I in no way want to minimize the significance of the victories over other countries, he said.
In 1998, when these two teams played in the World Cup quarterfinals, Dennis Bergkamp scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time. Lionel Messi, the winner of a record-tying seven Ballon d’Or awards, is looking to win his first World Cup with Argentina after losing extra time to Germany in the 2010 final. The Dutch need to counteract the impact of the PSG star, who has been spectacular in Qatar.
It’s sad, as Di Maria points out. After struggling throughout his time with Van Gaal at Manchester United, Argentine winger Angel Di Maria told TyC Sports in 2016 that the Dutch manager was the “worst” coach of his career. Van Gaal discounted Di Maria’s criticism after Depay struggled to find his groove at Old Trafford while playing for him.
After taking five years off from coaching, 71-year-old Van Gaal returned in 2021 to head the Netherlands at the World Cup. After the tournament, he plans to step down, although he is open to other opportunities. “It’s possible I’ll keep working as a coach for a while, especially if a fantastic chance presents itself, like a country with a significant challenge.
Official Statements
“In 2014 I was there and things ended slightly differently (to how we wanted) but I d like to change that now,” the Barcelona forward told a pre-match press conference.
“But Argentina and Brazil, who we will possibly play in the next round, are quite different to the teams we beat in the group stage and last 16.”
“It was an amazing moment for the country and what a goal,” said Depay.
“The game will be decided on moments in the game. So if we believe we can catch a moment we can go through.”
“We re not going to reveal our tactics to you (about stopping Messi). It would be pretty stupid to reveal your own tactics,” Van Gaal told reporters.
“But it s not difficult to come up with an answer, you want to block and close the passing lines.”
“He (Di Maria) is one of the very few players who has ever said that; normally it s the other way round,” said Van Gaal.
