Noppert confident ahead of Messi test

Even standing at 6ft 8ins tall, Andries Noppert could probably have walked through the streets of Qatar without turning heads before the World Cup started.

The Netherlands goalkeeper was a relative unknown three weeks ago, but tonight the eyes of the world will be on the man trying to stop Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Noppert has impressed in the Netherlands’ run to the quarter-finals, and the 28-year-old Heerenveen No1 now faces the biggest game of his career against one of the best players of all time, but he insists he is not feeling the heat.

“[Messi] is the same as us, he is human,” said Noppert. “It depends on the moment — he can also miss, and we have seen it in games in this tournament. For me, it is not pressure.”

He added: “Sure, he is good,” he said. “But so am I.”

Read the full story on Noppert’s rapid rise to the top here

Winning habit for the Dutch

It’s four matches unbeaten for the Netherlands in Qatar, taking their run to 19 matches without defeat.

They were last beaten in June last year by the Czech Republic. A couple of wins over Belgium in that, and a draw with Germany.

This though is their biggest test in a long, long time.

Atmosphere building!

The Argentina fans have probably been the best group of supporters out in Qatar, just ahead of Morocco. Made every game feel like a home one for their side.

Dutch supporters have a tough task to match them tonight!

Good news for both these sides

It will be Brazil or Croatia in the semi-finals for whoever makes it through tonight.

That match is goalless after 90 minutes and has gone to extra-time, so that will tire out a few legs. Netherlands and Argentina certainly wouldn’t say no to that one going to penalties…

They’ll also be pretty keen for Croatia to come out on top.

Prediction

This is arguably the first meeting between two great footballing nations at this World Cup’s knockouts. Whether we get a classic, entertaining contest to boot may feel unlikely.

There is an element of the unknown as neither side has come up against a contender for the crown until this moment – and neither has hit top gear.

Argentina have the edge when it comes to talent, and maybe a moment of magic will settle this.

Argentina to win, 1-0.

Argentina team news

Argentina are expected to have both Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul fit for the quarter-final after injury concerns.

Lionel Scaloni will be delighted to have Di Maria back to replace Papu Gomez, who has a sprained ankle, and complete his attack, with Julian Alvarez set to maintain his spot in the XI to join Messi.

The move to three central defenders in the second half of the last-16 tie may be something the Argentina boss is tempted to stick with from the start in this one, but it seems more likely it will be the same back-four system.

Predicted Argentina XI (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez

Netherlands team news

The Dutch overcame a virus outbreak in their World Cup camp before the USA win with no apparent ill effects, with Jeremie Frimpong also recovering from an ankle issue.

Louis van Gaal appears to have a largely settled lineup now Memphis Depay is fit and firing. Davy Klaassen and Marten de Roon have started the last two games in central midfield after issues in that department.

The back three should remain unchanged, with Jurrien Timber evidently trusted more than Matthijs de Ligt. Jeremie Frimpong has recovered from an ankle issue.

Predicted Netherlands XI (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay

How to watch Netherlands vs Argentina

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 6.15pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us, featuring expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick and Simon Collings at the ground.

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of tonight’s quarter-final clash between the Netherlands and Argentina!

The two sides have made it through to the last-eight without consistently being at their best, but both have to chance to make a serious statement tonight in reaching the semi-finals.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7pm GMT from the Lusail Iconic Stadium.