FIFA World Cup: Argentina and Netherlands begin the knockout rounds with contrasting challenges

• The FIFA World Cup knockout stage begins on Saturday.
• The Netherlands play the United States, while Argentina take on Australia.
• The tournament is moving to a stage where any mistake could be fatal for either team. 

On Saturday, two matches from the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup will begin, with the Netherlands playing the United States and Argentina playing Australia.

The competition is moving to a stage where any mistake could be fatal and where the added drama of overtime and penalties can be used.

Christian Pulisic, the USA’s captain, is questionable due to a pelvic injury he sustained in their 1-0 victory over Iran on Tuesday night. The USA would suffer a big loss without the Chelsea forward because he has played a more important role for his country than for his club.

Cody Gakpo enters the game having scored in each of the three group games, while the Netherlands have Memphis Depay who is healthy and ready to play.

The performance of Louis van Gaal’s team hasn’t been particularly impressive so far in Qatar; they had to work hard to defeat Senegal and struggle to a draw with Ecuador before defeating the hosts in their most recent game.

The USA will enter the match as favorites, but it will be interesting to see how they handle the high-energy, aggressive pressing style of the Americans.

Despite coach Lionel Scaloni’s caution that “everyone is difficult” in the World Cup, Argentina are the overwhelming favourites to defeat Australia.

After losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, Scaloni’s team has eased into the tournament, and starting Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez against Poland gave Argentina better balance.

Fernandez and Alvarez are familiar with one another from their junior levels, and with Lionel Messi in charge, they ought to be too strong for a competitor who has already outperformed them

Australia has taken the lead in each of their three games, defeating Tunisia and Denmark 1-0 apiece before losing 4-1 to France.

The primary offensive threat for Australia is Mathew Leckie, but central defender Harry Souttar, who plays for Stoke City in England’s second division, has also made a strong impression in Qatar.

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