The prospect of facing Lionel Messi from the penalty spot in the World Cup quarter-finals does not scare Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
On Friday, Argentina face the Dutch for a place in the last four at what is set to be an Albiceleste-dominated Lusail Stadium.
In such an atmosphere, keepers could not be blamed for not fancying going toe-to-toe with Messi but Noppert has backed himself to stare down the veteran superstar should it come to spot kicks.
“He can miss, as we saw at the beginning of this tournament,” Noppert told reporters.
“He always uses the same leg to kick just like any othe human being.
“Sure, he's good, but so am I. I can save a penalty.”
In normal time, Messi has a poor penalty record at the World Cup.
Having scored against Saudi Arabia, he missed his attempt against Poland in the final group game after Argentina were awarded a controversial spot kick. He also saw an effort saved against Iceland in 2018.
In total, Messi has scored 106 and missed 31 penalties, not including shootouts. His 70.75 per-cent success rate is a tad lower than the game’s average 76 per cent.
By contrast, 6ft 8in goalkeeper Noppert has saved only one of the six penalties he has faced in games - against Carpi in a 2019 Serie B game.
