World Cup Results 2022: Scores, Updated Quarterfinals Bracket After Friday
Dec 9, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring the team's first penalty in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi's dream of winning a World Cup is still alive.
Argentina needed an extra 30 minutes and penalties to keep that dream alive, but all that matters is La Albiceleste are on to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Argentina knocked out the Netherlands in the second of two penalty shootouts to take place in Qatar on Friday.
Croatia, the penalty shootout kings of the last two World Cups, defeated Brazil to advance to its second straight World Cup semifinal.
Messi and Argentina will meet Luka Modrić and Croatia on Tuesday in the first of two World Cup semifinals.
Argentina 2 (4), Netherlands 2 (3)
Argentina did not like the path it took to the penalty shootout, but it still emerged victorious.
Martínez had not made a save on the two shots on goal he faced over 120 minutes. The Dutch finished their two chances to come back from a deficit forged by Lionel Messi.
Lautaro Martínez finished off the shootout win in the fifth round.
Messi was once again at the center of Argentina's most important moments in a World Cup game.
Messi provided a first-half assist and scored a penalty in the second half to place La Albiceleste in the lead.
Messi produced a brilliant pass into Nahuel Molina in the 35th minute to open the scoring.
Messi set the ball up on a perfect angle from his position outside the box to feed Molina and avoid the handful of Dutch defenders that tried to surround him.
The Argentinian legend scored the crucial second goal in the 73rd minute from the penalty spot. Messi blasted his fourth goal of the 2022 World Cup and 10th career World Cup strike past a diving Andries Noppert.
The Dutch applied pressure for the seven second-half minutes and 10 minutes of stoppage time that followed. They finally broke through in the 101st minute, when Weghorst finished past Emiliano Martínez on a craftily-played free kick that avoided the Argentinian wall.
In penalties, Dominik Livaković made one save to add to his impressive resume in Qatar. He made 10 saves in 120 minutes against Brazil and had multiple denials in the round-of-16 shoutout win over Japan.
Neymar was the orchestrator of a beautiful move that featured two give-and-go pass sequences and a quality finish over Livaković.
Neymar tied Pelé for the most goals in Brazil men's national team history. But that was the only celebratory moment in the Seleção attack.
The Brazilians put one of their 11 shots on target past Livaković. Croatia did not have a shot in target in regulation.
Croatia is now set for its second straight World Cup semifinal appearance on Tuesday against Argentina.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Saturday's Results and Sunday's Round of 16 Schedule
Dec 3, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 03: Lionel Messi of Argentina runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Argentina and the Netherlands finalized the first quarterfinal matchup at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Saturday.
The Dutch's 3-1 victory over the United States men's national meant they became the tournament's first quarterfinalist.
Argentina rode goals from Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez into the final eight, as it eliminated Australia in Saturday's second game.
The quarterfinal showdown between the European and South American sides marks the sixth time they have faced each other in the World Cup. In their last meeting, Argentina eliminated the Dutch in the 2014 semifinals on penalties.
Over the next three days, the Dutch and Argentinians will be joined by six other teams in the final eight. England and France can book their places in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Saturday's Results
Argentina 2, Australia 1
Argentina methodically put away Australia to earn its fourth quarterfinal berth in the last five World Cups.
Lionel Messi used a moment of magic in the 35th minute to put the Albiceleste in front. Messi continued his run from the left wing after a failed free kick and slotted home through a pair of defenders and into the back of the net.
Messi's 35th-minute tally was his first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout stages. That statistic was hard to believe since he has been an integral part of Argentina's national team for over a decade.
Julián Álvarez padded the lead in the 57th minute after some disastrous decision-making by Matt Ryan in front of the Soccerros goal. Ryan kept the ball at his feet too long and allowed the pressure by Rodrigo De Paul and Álvarez to force him into a mistake.
Álvarez's goal ended up meaning more to Argentina once the Aussies found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Craig Goodwin lashed a shot from outside the box and took a deflection on its way past Emiliano Martinez.
The tally eventually went down as an Enzo Fernandez on goal, but that was all the Aussies could muster, despite some late pressure, against an Argentinian defense that came into Saturday with two straight clean sheets.
Messi and Co. will try to make it back to the semifinals with a win on Friday that could set up an all-South American clash with Brazil in the final four. Brazil plays South Korea and then the Japan-Croatia winner if it wins in the Round of 16.
Netherlands 3, United States 1
The Netherlands ended the United States' run in Qatar with a few attacking moves that capitalized on mistakes by the American back line.
Memphis Depay put the Dutch in front in the 10th minute, when he ran into a pocket of space at the top of the box and easily beat Matt Turner.
The Oranje defended for most of the first half after Memphis' opening strike. They doubled their advantage right before halftime, as Daley Blind beat Sergiño Dest to a ball that came off a Netherlands throw-in.
The Americans controlled the possession battle in the first half, but they only had two significant chances in the first 45 minutes. Christian Pulisic missed a golden opportunity in the opening minutes and Timothy Weah had a shot from distance turned away before the second Dutch goal.
The Americans were more progressive in the final third in the second half thanks to the additions of Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright.
Wright put the Americans on the scoreboard in the 76th minute with a goal off his back heel. The tally came minutes after Wright blew a potential open goal with a poor first touch.
The USMNT's hope did not last long, as Denzel Dumfires scored in the 81st minute on another defensive breakdown by the Americans. Dumfries was one of the best Dutch players on the field inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
The Dutch advanced to at least the semifinals in their last two World Cups in 2010 and 2014. A win over Argentina would get them there for a third straight appearance when qualifying for the World Cup, after shockingly missing out in the 2018 edition.
The United States men's national team is in the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup for its third straight appearance in the tournament. The Americans were...
World Cup 2022 Scores: Tuesday's Results and Wednesday's Schedule
Nov 29, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Christian Pulisic of USA gestures during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The United States men's national team advanced to the knockout round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday afternoon.
Christian Pulisic's 38th-minute goal was the difference between the Americans finishing in second place in Group B and going home from Qatar.
The Americans took second behind England, who had a much more comfortable day in Qatar by winning 3-0 over Wales.
The wins by the USMNT and England confirmed the first two matches of the knockout round. The Americans take on Group A winner Netherlands on Saturday, while England and Group A runner-up Senegal square off on Sunday.
Netherlands and Senegal had similar experiences on Monday as the two teams in the same positions as them in Group B. The Dutch finished off a miserable home World Cup for Qatar with two goals, while Senegal battled to a 2-1 win over Ecuador.
Group B
1. England - 7 points
2. United States - 5
3. Iran - 3
4. Wales - 1
Tuesday Results
United States 1, Iran 0
England 3, Wales 0
The United States relied on its highest-profile player to advance into the knockout round.
Christian Pulisic connected with a Sergiño Dest cross in the 38th minute to give the Americans the three points required to advance to the round of 16.
Dest and Antonee Robinson challenged the Iranian defense down the flanks for most of the first half, but they were unable to play a perfect ball into the box until Dest's assist on Pulisic's goal.
The Americans appeared to have a second goal in the back of the net right before halftime, but Timothy Weah was ruled narrowly offside.
Iran played much better in the second half, as it had to secure at least a draw to make it out of Group B.
Iran came close on a few occasions, but none of its shots significantly challenged USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The American win set up a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands. That will be the first of eight round-of-16 matches to be played in Qatar.
England became the fourth European nation to secure safe passage into the round of 16, and the Three Lions confirmed that UEFA had the first two group winners in Qatar.
Marcus Rashford brought the English attack to life five minutes into the second half with a stunning free-kick goal.
The Manchester United forward has three goals in Qatar. He added to his World Cup tally with a goal in the 68th minute.
Phil Foden became the sixth player to find the back of the net for England just a minute after Rashford opened the scoring. Foden knocked in a brilliant cross from the right wing off Harry Kane's boot.
England advanced to the knockout round without Kane, who is the reigning Golden Boot winner at the World Cup, finding the back of the net.
The well-rounded English attack will take on Senegal in the round of 16. The Three Lions are trying to reach the semifinals of their third straight major tournament. They finished in fourth place at the 2018 World Cup and were the runner-up at UEFA Euro 2020.
Group A
1. Netherlands - 7 points
2. Senegal - 6
3. Ecuador - 4
4. Qatar - 0
Tuesday Results
Netherlands 2, Qatar 0
Senegal 2, Ecuador 1
A three-minute stretch in the second half was the turning point in the fight for second place in Group A.
Senegal came out of that stretch on top through Kalidou Koulibaly's 70th-minute strike, which was his first-ever international goal.
Caicedo's strike appeared to give Ecuador the result it needed to go through with the Netherlands, but Senegal came up huge in a must-win spot to answer the goal from the Brighton and Hove Albion player.
Senegal is through to the knockout round for the second time in national team history. The Lions of Teranga made it to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
The Netherlands cruised into the knockout round as the Group A winner with a 2-0 win over Qatar.
Cody Gakpo continued to make his case as the breakout player of the tournament. as he netted his third goal of the competition in the first half.
The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven player scored three of the five Dutch goals in the group stage. He will likely will not remain at PSV much longer after the World Cup. He was already on the radars of Europe's top clubs and his transfer value may be at its highest in January.
Qatar finished the group stage with zero points and a single goal. Qatar became the first host nation to lose all three games at the World Cup.
Wednesday Schedule
Group D: Tunisia vs. France (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group D: Australia vs. Denmark (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group C: Poland vs. Argentina (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Group C: Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico (2 p.m. ET, FS1)
World Cup Results 2022: Monday's Scores and Updated Group Standings
Nov 21, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring the United States first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team started its 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing draw against Wales on Monday night.
The Americans went ahead through Tim Weah but then dropped a potential opening victory when Walker Zimmerman fouled Gareth Bale in the penalty area.
Bale's converted penalty makes the math to get out of Group B tougher for the USMNT, especially with England on the horizon on Friday.
England is in the clear in Group B after it blew past Iran with six goals in the first of three games on Monday.
The Three Lions are one of two European teams to be on top of their groups in Qatar. The Netherlands landed the top spot in Group A with their 2-0 win over Senegal.
Group B
1. England - 3 points (6 goals for, 2 goals against, +4 goal differential)
2. Wales - 1 point (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
3. United States - 1 point (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
4. Iran - 0 points (2 GF, 4 GA, -4 GD)
The USMNT has to feel that the 1-1 draw against Wales is two points dropped more than one point gained.
The Americans dictated the pace of play in the first half, and they were rewarded for their play with a Tim Weah goal in the 36th minute.
Wales changed the style of play in the second half with the entrance of Kieffer Moore. The European side finally got on the scoreboard through Gareth Bale in the 82nd minute.
Bale was taken down with his back to goal by Walker Zimmerman. He thundered his penalty past a diving Matt Turner to equalize the contest.
Both the USMNT and Wales have work to do to get into the knockout round, and their spots in the final 16 may come down to performance against Iran.
England kicked off Monday's three-game slate with a 6-2 thumping of Iran.
The Three Lions benefited from two Bukayo Saka goals and one each from Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham.
The goal-scoring outburst began in the 35th minute through Bellingham's header. The goal showcased how talented the 19-year-old is in the air. The Borussia Dortmund player was already one of the most sought-after players on the transfer market, and his value could grow even more in the coming weeks as the Three Lions chase a World Cup title.
ENGLAND TAKES THE LEAD
On the biggest stage Jude Bellingham scores his first goal for England 🔥🏴 pic.twitter.com/4TOWEHaMmQ
Iran did not have much of an answer to the Three Lions' well-rounded attack. The Asian side clawed back two goals in the second half through FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, but it was far from good enough.
Taremi's two goals may have salvaged Iran's goal differential for now, but that total could get worse with Wales and the United States still on the schedule.
Both of the next games in Group B take place on Friday. Wales plays Iran, and the USMNT take on England.
The 23-year-old entered the tournament with nine goals and 12 assists in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven. He also produced three goals and three assists in a UEFA Europa League group that included Arsenal.
Gakpo started to deliver on his hype with the first Dutch goal of the tournament, which was set up by Frenkie De Jong.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could have done better approaching the lofted ball, and he was at fault on the second Dutch goal that was scored by Davy Klaassen in the 94th minute.
The Dutch lead Group A over Ecuador, who beat Qatar 2-0 on Sunday, on fair play points. The two teams are tied on points, goals for, goals against and goal differential after 90 minutes. The tiebreakers will come into play more after the second matches in Group A.
The Netherlands and Ecuador will meet on Friday, while Qatar and Senegal will try to get their first points of the tournament against each other on Friday.
2022 Men’s World Cup Power Players: Breaking Down Virgil van Dijk's Game
Nov 17, 2022
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, centre, controls the ball during the Champions League Group A soccer match between Liverpool and Rangers at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Tuesday Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Virgil van Dijk will add "World Cup participant" to his lengthy resume in Qatar.
The 31-year-old center back has won seven different club competitions with English Premier League side Liverpool and two more in Scotland with Celtic.
Van Dijk's experience at the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be with a Netherlands side that finished in third place the last time it appeared on world football's biggest stage.
The Reds defender has been a vital part of the Oranje's resurgence. He and his Dutch teammates hope recent results translate into a successful run in late November and early December.
This article was produced in partnership with Prada Luna Rossa.
Top Club Highlights
Van Dijk hasn't scored a ton of goals in the Premier League for Liverpool, but when he does show up on highlight reels for hitting the back of the net, it's often a reminder of how dangerous he can be on set pieces.
He scored two goals with his head last season for the Anfield side, and he has nine other headed goals in league play since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has shown up on a few defensive highlight reels as well, including for a perfectly timed tackle against Tottenham Hotspur in 2020.
He typically does not have to make the lunging tackles because he is in great position in front of the Liverpool net. When he is uncomfortable, he can make up for mistakes with his tackling ability.
Van Dijk has been a crucial part of this current Liverpool era that includes both a Premier League and Champions League title.
Top Netherlands Highlights
Virgil Van Dijk took advantage of the mismatch in the box and headed home the winner for the Netherlands! 😤 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/gQLi0Mv2ac
Van Dijk's first appearance in Qatar will mark his 50th game on the international stage.
The center back has been a fixture of the Dutch national team setup since 2015, and he has made at least five appearance for the Oranje in every year dating back to 2018.
Five of his six goals have come in some type of international competition. His most recent occurred in September in the UEFA Nations League against Belgium.
Van Dijk has two career goals against Germany, one against Belgium and another versus Portugal. The others came against Gibraltar and Belarus.
Biggest Strengths
Van Dijk is a three-time honoree in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League teams of the season and won Player of the Year Awards from the Premier League and UEFA for his efforts in the 2018-19 campaign with Liverpool.
It is difficult for any opposing attacker to work their way past the defender over a 90-minute stretch. He is coming into better form with Liverpool as the World Cup approaches. He has been a part of a defense that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League in three of the past four seasons.
Van Dijk can take away a team's top attacker with his strong positioning on and off the ball, as well as his precise tackling ability. He is an asset on set pieces on both sides of the field because of his aerial prowess.
World Cup Outlook
The Netherlands are the most recognizable nation in Group A alongside host Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal.
Van Dijk will take on former Liverpool teammate and Senegal international Sadio Mané in his first Group A match on November 21.
The Dutch are expected to get out of the group and make an attempt at a long run in the knockout round.
They advanced to the semifinal round at least in their last two World Cup appearances in 2010 and 2014, and even though they missed out on the finals in 2018, the high standard to advance that far is still in place.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk Leaves Netherlands Squad for Personal Reasons
Nov 17, 2019
Netherlands' Virgil Van Dijk controls the ball during the Euro 2020 group C qualifying soccer match between Northern Ireland and the Netherlands at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk will not take part in Tuesday's UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between the Netherlands and Estonia, pulling out of the squad because of personal reasons.
The Dutch FA announced the news on Sunday (h/t Liverpool Echo's Paul Gorst). Per the report, Van Dijk has left the Dutch training camp.
The 28-year-old and his team-mates secured a Euro 2020 ticket with a goalless draw against Northern Ireland on Saturday. Tuesday's match is no dead rubber, as the top spot in Group C is still up for grabs, but Van Dijk may have been rested against the last-place Estonians. The visitors have won just a single point in their campaign.
PerJack Lusbyof This Is Anfield, Van Dijk is the latest in a long line of Liverpool players who dropped out of international duty during this break. He joins Joe Gomez,Andy Robertson,Jordan Henderson, Mohamed SalahandCaoimhin Kelleher in cutting short their spells or not travelling at all because of illness or injury.
The Reds will face Crystal Palace on Saturday and face a busy festive period. Per Gorst, they could play as many as 12 matches before New Year's Day.
The first crucial outing will come on the Wednesday following the Palace match, when Liverpool host Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. The Partenopei sit just one point behind the Reds in the battle for the top spot in Group E.
In Van Dijk's absence, the Dutch could turn to Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij on Tuesday. Ajax's Daley Blind is another veteran option, and with Bournemouth's Nathan Ake also in the squad, the Oranje will not have to worry about depth.
Ronald Koeman: Sergino Dest Has Netherlands 'Future' Amid USMNT Switch Rumours
Oct 8, 2019
DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 6: Sergino Dest of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between ADO Den Haag v Ajax at the Cars Jeans Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Den Haag Netherlands (Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman believes Ajax starlet Sergino Dest has a future with the Oranje, amid rumours he could switch his international allegiance away from the U.S. men's national team.
Koeman told NOS (h/t Goal's Ryan Tolmich) he won't make any promises to the teenager but sees him as a potential part of his side: "Nico-Jan Hoogma (technical director of the KNVB) and I have spoken with him. We have sketched the picture about his future with the Oranje. I don't promise anyone, but I told him that I see a future for him at the Dutch national team."
DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 6: (L-R) Crysencio Summerville of ADO Den Haag, Sergino Dest of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between ADO Den Haag v Ajax at the Cars Jeans Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Den Haag Netherlands (Photo by Laurens Lin
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter previously said talks with Dest were "positive," but he did not join up with the Stars and Stripes for the upcoming matches against Cuba and Canada.
Per Yahoo Sports' Leander Schaerlaeckens, Dest turned down call-ups from both sides, stating he needs more time to make a decision:
The 18-year-old has already played twice for the USMNT, starting against Mexico and Uruguay. Those two contests were friendlies, however, making him eligible for a one-time switch to the Netherlands if he desires.
Dest was born in the Netherlands to a Surinamese-American father and a Dutch mother, and he has been part of the USMNT's setup since making his debut for the under-17 side. His sensational start to the 2019-20 campaign has put him on the map for the Oranje.
The right-back only made his senior Ajax debut in July but has come on strongly since, making seven Eredivisie starts and two in the UEFA Champions League.
His USMNT debut came in the 3-0 defeat to Mexico in September. The team's showings against El Tri and Uruguay may not have helped their bid to keep him around:
lmao Sergiño Dest played two games with the US and bounced because the team was so garbage
Like the USMNT, Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but their future is bright. Established talents like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong form a strong foundation, while rising stars like Donyell Malen and Calvin Stengs have the potential to match that duo soon.
The USMNT's main selling points are a lack of top-end competition for playing time and the fact they have invested a lot of time into him. They also have a solid collection of talents in Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent, but they can't match the sheer depth of the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk Says 'Great' Portugal Team Are 'Not Only Cristiano Ronaldo'
Jun 7, 2019
GUIMARAES, PORTUGAL - JUNE 06: Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands in action during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between the Netherlands and England at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques on June 06, 2019 in Guimaraes, Portugal. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk has warned his team-mates not to focus solely on the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo when his side face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.
The Dutch made it to the showpiece of the inaugural competition on Thursday, as they came from behind against England to win 3-1 after extra time. They will now be seeking to win the competition against the host nation.
If they are to be victorious, the Dutch will need to find a way to limit the influence of Ronaldo, who scored a brilliant hat-trick against Switzerland in Portugal's semi-final success. However, Van Dijk has said the Oranje must be wary of other threats their opponents possess, per Dejan Kalinic of Goal.
"We'll see," he said. "It's not only Cristiano Ronaldo we're going to face. We face a great Portugal. We will see what's going to happen. I'm looking forward to playing this final with this team, and we're going to give everything that we can to hopefully hold that trophy in the end and do everyone proud."
The match will be intriguing for a number of reasons, although the battle between Ronaldo and Van Dijk—arguably the best centre-forward and best defender in the game, respectively—will be a fascinating subplot:
While a number of players in the two semi-finals appeared a little jaded at the end of a long season, Ronaldo was incredibly sharp in the win over Switzerland.
He opened the scoring with a fantastic free-kick and then rounded off his hat-trick in trademark style in the second half:
GOAL FOR PORTUGAL 🇵🇹
It's that man again, Cristiano Ronaldo. He strikes it clean and hard, comfortably beating Sommer.
In recent years, Ronaldo has has adapted his game to become more of a penalty-box player, but for Portugal he seems to have more freedom under manager Fernando Santos.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how the Dutch look to combat the Juventus star, as he roamed across the front line in the win over Switzerland. As a result, there may be spells in the game when Van Dijk and his defensive partner Matthijs de Ligt aren't directly up against the 34-year-old.
As Van Dijk notes, there are other quality operators in the Portugal team, with Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes all in the starting XI against the Swiss.
But as ESPN FC's Liam Twomey noted, those stars struggled to stamp their authority on the game in the semi-final:
Why do Portugal always seem incapable of controlling matches despite having some of the best midfield talent in international football?
In Van Dijk, the Netherlands have a player who is at the peak of his powers, having shone for Liverpool in their successful UEFA Champions League push. For his country, Van Dijk has developed into a tremendous leader since being handed the captain's armband too.
With talismanic figures in exceptional form on both sides, Sunday's final is set to be a treat. For Van Dijk, getting the better of Ronaldo in a high-profile game would be a fitting way to cap an exceptional season.
