Neville thinks Netherlands will beat 'really average' Argentina and keep Messi quiet
Gary Neville thinks the Netherlands have what it takes to beat an Argentinian team that hasn't impressed him so far.
In what should be a closely contested battle, Neville believes Louis van Gaal's side are capable of silencing Lionel Messi.
Argentina managed to beat Australia in the previous round with goals from Messi and Julian Alvarez.
Messi has undoubtedly been one of the players of the tournament so far with three goals and one assist to his name.
Despite the magical moments Messi has produced so far, Neville hasn't been too impressed with what he's seen from Argentina so far.
"I watched Argentina three times, and apart from Lionel Messi, I think they are really average," he explained on the SkyBet YouTube channel.< /p>
"You feel like they will do anything to win the tournament, where in fact they are a more street-wise team than Brazil.
"Brazil are a much better team, have much better players, but Argentina have that devil in them, and then they have Messi up front who, in the last part of the pitch, is just amazing.< /p>
"I will go with the Netherlands to win, if a team can structurally keep Messi away they will win - but hopefully it will be an Argentina-Brazil semi-final."
Whoever emerges victorious from this quarter-final will face the winners of Brazil against Croatia in the semi-final.
Neville thinks Brazil have what it takes to go all the way and have been the best team in the tournament so far with France.
He adds: "Brazil will beat Croatia, all day. Brazil are the best team in the tournament so far. Together with France, they have been amazing.
"I know Richarlison is playing with better players, but that little head held high the other day [against South Korea], I didn't think he had that in him. Raphinha, Antony and Lucas Paqueta have all looked awesome too.”
"I predicted Brazil v France in the final, but you can easily see it's Argentina v Portugal. I want Brazil to win - they're the best team, they play with more of brilliance, I want to see the dance again.
"If that happens, the semi-final game [Brazil vs Argentina] is out of scale. This game is watched by all the football fans in the world, you don't make any plans if this game is in course.
"Imagine it now: Kylian Mbappé against Neymar. Brazil are winning this World Cup. Brazil have the best players. I hope we are wrong and England win."
READ MORE: Mbappe v Walker: Rio, Neville and past meetings offer insight into key battle between England and France
Gary Neville thinks the Netherlands have what it takes to beat an Argentinian team that hasn't impressed him so far.
In what should be a closely contested battle, Neville believes Louis van Gaal's side are capable of silencing Lionel Messi.
Argentina managed to beat Australia in the previous round with goals from Messi and Julian Alvarez.
Messi has undoubtedly been one of the players of the tournament so far with three goals and one assist to his name.
Despite the magical moments Messi has produced so far, Neville hasn't been too impressed with what he's seen from Argentina so far.
"I watched Argentina three times, and apart from Lionel Messi, I think they are really average," he explained on the SkyBet YouTube channel.< /p>
"You feel like they will do anything to win the tournament, where in fact they are a more street-wise team than Brazil.
"Brazil are a much better team, have much better players, but Argentina have that devil in them, and then they have Messi up front who, in the last part of the pitch, is just amazing.< /p>
"I will go with the Netherlands to win, if a team can structurally keep Messi away they will win - but hopefully it will be an Argentina-Brazil semi-final."
Whoever emerges victorious from this quarter-final will face the winners of Brazil against Croatia in the semi-final.
Neville thinks Brazil have what it takes to go all the way and have been the best team in the tournament so far with France.
He adds: "Brazil will beat Croatia, all day. Brazil are the best team in the tournament so far. Together with France, they have been amazing.
"I know Richarlison is playing with better players, but that little head held high the other day [against South Korea], I didn't think he had that in him. Raphinha, Antony and Lucas Paqueta have all looked awesome too.”
"I predicted Brazil v France in the final, but you can easily see it's Argentina v Portugal. I want Brazil to win - they're the best team, they play with more of brilliance, I want to see the dance again.
"If that happens, the semi-final game [Brazil vs Argentina] is out of scale. This game is watched by all the football fans in the world, you don't make any plans if this game is in course.
"Imagine it now: Kylian Mbappé against Neymar. Brazil are winning this World Cup. Brazil have the best players. I hope we are wrong and England win."
READ MORE: Mbappe v Walker: Rio, Neville and past meetings offer insight into key battle between England and France
What's Your Reaction?
