Dutch goalkeeper: 'Messi can still miss a penalty'
"Messi is an outstanding player, but can still miss a penalty. We have seen that many times before the 2022 World Cup. Messi is also human, like all of us," Noppert said at the press conference today. December 7, when asked about the possibility that the Netherlands drew Argentina after 120 minutes, they had to take a penalty shootout.
Messi played with Argentina on a penalty shootout against the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals. At that time, the Argentine star played the full 120 minutes, then successfully kicked the first 11m, helping the home team win 4-2. But in the final, Argentina lost to Germany 0-1, and the Netherlands defeated Brazil 3-0 in the bronze medal match.
While Messi is a living legend of football, Noppert is considered an emerging star at the 2022 World Cup. In addition to his professional qualities, Noppert also excels in bodybuilding when he is 2.03 m tall and is a man. highest of all players competing in Qatar.
Never played for the Netherlands before the 2022 World Cup, but Noppert was still given the spot by coach Louis van Gaal to start all 4 matches in the journey to the quarterfinals. He is likely to continue to stand in the wooden frame against Argentina on December 9.
Becoming the Netherlands' number one goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup is a milestone in Noppert's career, because he twice considered retiring due to unemployment. Not having much experience in the top matches, but Noppert is not afraid of great pressure against the championship candidate like Argentina on the Lusail stadium with a capacity of nearly 89,000 seats.
"It's something to look forward to," said the 28-year-old goalkeeper. "I'm going to play for a lot of fans, and certainly don't feel scared. I can feel the tension as the game goes on, but that's normal. If it weren't for the stress at the World Cup, You'd better sit outside."
Having dreamed of competing in the World Cup like many other children, Noppert admitted that he had given up on this dream because of his poor career. Therefore, he is grateful to be given the opportunity by coach Louis van Gaal at Qatar 2022. "There is only one person who can bring me here, and that is Van Gaal", emphasized Noppert. "I'm very proud and will continue to work hard. That's the most important thing."
The Heerenveen goalkeeper also praised Van Gaal as being very good at inspiring and improving the confidence of the players. "For me, a good coach is someone who always helps players who are not performing well feel comfortable and continue to fight for the starting position. That is the most important thing for a coach," said Noppert.
