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Argentina and the Netherlands, two favorites against two outsiders

Argentina and the Netherlands are undoubtedly favorites to win their round of 16 against their respective opponents, Australia and the United States.

Argentina-Australia and Netherlands – United States: the first two round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar pit two title candidates against outsiders on Saturday, and Lionel Messi enters the final stretch of his quest for the last missing title his huge track record.

The Argentinians, double world champions (1978, 1986) and the Dutch, three times finalists but never crowned (1974, 1978, 2010), will start as favorites, but this World Cup has already reserved enough surprises for their opponents to dream of Exploits.

The rebirth of the Argentines, the Dutch ambition

Lionel Messi and his teammates, above all, were entitled to a harsh warning at no cost when they entered the fray, with a stunning defeat against Saudi Arabia (2-1). The Albiceleste then regained their senses – and their football – by dominating Mexico and Poland each time with a score of 2-0.

She was well inspired, since the first group place saved her from falling from the eighth on the French world champions. But coach Lionel Scaloni is trying to lower the pressure around his selection: “We are not candidates for anything, we are not favorites for anything,” he said after the last group match.

The tone is braver among the “Oranje”. “I am here to be world champion”, hammered coach Louis van Gaal, a strong personality who dreams of finally offering the country of Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten this trophy which has always eluded him.

SEE ALSO – South Korea advance to Round of 16 with last-minute goal against Portugal

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