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Netherlands face the challenge of Lionel Messi's Argentina in their Quarterfinal clash of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, in what will be a replay of some of the biggest games that the mega event has seen in its 92-year history. Ahead of the match, Dutch forward Memphis Depay spoke to the media about the match and compared the game to the two side's 1998 quarterfinal game, in which former Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp scored a sensational winning goal in the 90th minute.
"1998 was an amazing moment for the country and team. Dennis Bergkamp's goal was a great moment for the country in 1998, and this means that such games can be decided by the moment. We will look for that tomorrow. It will be a tactical game we will look to play a good match," Depay told the press on Thursday.
The Dutchmen are unbeaten in the competition till now, unlike their opponents who lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the campaign. One of the standout players has been their young winger Cody Gakpo, and Depay fell short of words to use to praise the Dutch forward, who has scored three goals in the ongoing World Cup.
"I look forward to playing with the likes of Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn. They both are in great shape and form. We have seen this in the World Cup," Depay said while heaping praise on his teammates.
Depay has had issues with his head coach Louis Van Gaal during their time together at English Premier League (EPL) side Manchester United in the past, but he was quick to praise the head coach in the press conference. "I'm happy with the coach. he has a clear vision and this has resulted in the team's victory in many matches. Under Van Gaal, there have been many changes in the Dutch side," Depay opined.
Sharing his thoughts on their opponents on the night, Depay said, "It will be a fighting game tomorrow. We know Argentina are a superb team and playing against them will be a challenge. But I am ready for every challenge."
Meanwhile, Van Gaal has only one thing on his mind ahead of this crucial encounter — Revenge. 'I am looking for revenge against Argentina. (About Messi) He is dangerous, for any opponent."
