This is one of the most played fixtures in World Cup history and a repeat of the 1978 final in which Mario Kempes scored twice in a 3-1 win.
The teams last two world cup meetings ended 0-0 with Argentina progressing via penalties in the 2014 semi final.
Another tight game is expected and Lionel Scaloni told Reuters his team are prepared for it to go all the way, although he hopes that won’t be the case: “They(the players) always take penalties before and after matches but it’s all about luck when it comes to the penalty shootout,”
Rodrigo De Paul was an injury doubt before the game, but he is once again in the starting eleven. Argentina have changed formation to a back five with Lisandro Martinez replacing Papu Gomez.
Louis Van Gaal believes Argentina’s talisman, Messi, could provide them with an opportunity. Van Gaal told the Guardian: “Messi is the most dangerous creative player, he is able to create a lot and to score goals himself. But when they lose the ball he doesn’t participate much, this gives us chances.”
