The goalkeeper from the Netherlands challenged Messi in the preview of the quarterfinal clash against Argentina

* The press conference of Andries Noppert, goalkeeper of the Netherlands

The teams of Argentina and the Netherlands will seek the pass to the semifinal of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 in Lusail on Friday and the team led by Louis Van Gaal feels optimistic to beat the American champion and get into the top four of the competition. His goalkeeper Andries Noppert It has been one of the surprises for the oranges, since this is their first experience in the national team. He is not afraid of Lionel Messithe star who has already scored three goals in the tournament.

The 28-year-old, 2.02-meter-tall goalkeeper beat Justin Bijlow and Remko Pasveer to the post and established himself as a starter in the four games the Dutch team has played and has conceded only two goals (against Ecuador and the United States). In a press conference, the Heerenveen player stated that he is not afraid of the Paris Saint Germain striker and he even feels confident that he can embitter the Rosario in a possible penalty shootout.

“Messi is a great player but he also tends to fail. We have seen it in this tournament (in reference to the missed penalty against Poland). He is like us, a human being. Sure he’s good but he can fail too,” Noppert expressed. About the chance to have a face to face with Leo from 12 steps, the goalkeeper answered emphatically: “I’m always ready for that. I’m sure I can save him a penalty”.

It is worth remembering that Argentina and the Netherlands defined the ticket to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on penalties. That afternoon at the San Pablo Arena, Sergio Tiny Rosemary he became a hero by holding back shots from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder. As an extra piece of information, Van Gaal was the technical director and he wants to take his revenge.

“When you are little you dream of being in a World Cup. I have always kept that dream. It seemed that it did not arrive but I always fought for that. There is only one coach who could have thought of me for the World Cup and that is our current coach. I am proud and happy to be here. I have to keep working. That is the most important thing,” he continued.

About the pressure of playing against Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina in his first World Cup, with the quarterfinal crossing in the middle, and in front of 90,000 people in Lusail, Noppert concluded: “It is true that this is new for me, but it is a new challenge. I just have to be myself. Colleagues and technicians accept it. I try to do it my way. It’s a different world for me but that’s not going to change me. Playing for many people is something you expect, I don’t feel afraid. You can feel tension when the game arrives but it is normal ”.

Virgil Van Dijk spoke before the match against Argentina and praised Julián Álvarez.

The captain of the Netherlands team also spoke to the media and referred to the Manchester City striker, who has been delivering outstanding performances in Qatar 2022. “I’m not worried, I’m very aware of what Argentina can do because it’s a team fantastic. We have to be good in all sectors. Álvarez is a great player, he is fast and has a great future ahead of him having come to England despite having Haaland ahead. I hope he doesn’t do so well this time,” said the Liverpool defender.

“We are hungry for victories and this dream of being world champions. There is only one objective: to win the World Cup”, completed the 31-year-old player.

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