The Netherlands are training 500 paces from Argentina and the concern is to find a way to stop Messi

As soon as 500 steps of the premises in which the Argentina national teamin Qatar National University itself, is the bunker of Holland. The rivals one of the quarterfinals of this World Cup are kind of close enemies. Furthermore, while those led by Lionel Scaloni worked on camp 1 of training camp 3, the Dutch trained on camp 1 of training camp 5. The only difference is that Lionel Messi and company live on the university campus, and Louis Van Gaal’s alumni stay in a hotel in downtown Doha. That’s where they came on Saturday, full of dancing and grinning after their victory over the United States.

Before the fifteen minutes of open training, where the 23 outfield players, all at the disposal of their coach, carried out a rather intense physical activation while the goalkeepers worked separately in another sector, there was a press conference. Those who spoke were the defenders Nathan Ake Y Jurrien Timber. Y The general concern of journalists went through knowing how his team would do to stop Lionel Messione of the figures of the tournament together with Kylian Mbappé.

“Messi is one of the best players of all time, so it will be difficult to neutralize him. But it will be a good challenge, not only for the defense but for the whole team,” said Aké, who plays for Manchester City.

And he continued: “If I asked (Pep) Guardiola how to stop him? No, I haven’t talked to him, but if I did I’m sure he’d tell me it’s going to be quite difficult. It will certainly be a great battle.”

However, Aké has warned that his side are not only focused on controlling Messi and are setting their sights on, among others, Giuliano Alvarezwith whom he shares a squad in the Premier League.

“There are other players we will have to worry about.” is described how he beats one-on-one with the former River striker. “He’s very technical and very difficult to score, even in training. He’s fit, he’s a good finisher. It’s going to be tough. That’s why we have to be well organized tactically to start with.”

“It will be a great match between two countries who are very passionate about football. We are looking forward to it and hope it will be a great game for us. But it won’t be easy.”

Secondly, Aké talked about the relationship between the team and Van Gaal, who is experiencing his third cycle and plans to retire after this appointment in Qatar. “Everything has been phenomenal since he arrived. I think he’s very direct. He lets everyone know what to expect. You know exactly what your role is within the team and off the pitch too. He’s a great guy,” she said Ake.

Furthermore, he warned that the players are feeling inspired by the fight that Van Gaal, 71, had during the qualifiers for Qatar. “He doesn’t want mercy or anything like that. He just wants us to do right”said Aké, who revealed that the premise of the team is to go as far as possible in this World Cup to give the coach the farewell he deserves.

And closed Timber, who plays for Ajax and has started the last three games. “The atmosphere in the team is very good. We have a lot of fun with the team, the communication with the coaches and the staff is very good. So yes, the sensations are great.”

One wounded… among the journalists

The fifteen minutes of open training for the Netherlands came to an end and suddenly, in the stands where the journalists were observing the movements of the players and the coaching staff, a great racket was heard and in the air an innumerable number of insults. A publicist tripped, fell to the ground and badly sprained his ankle. He couldn’t get up. That’s why the Dutch team doctor rushed to assist. A stumbling block that has fallen.

Doha, Qatar. Special delivery.