'I want chaos, turmoil - Neymar's nutmeg, Messi CRYING': Former Brazil striker Fred outlines his dream scenario for a World Cup semi-final showdown with Argentina... with the two bitter rivals poised to meet if they prevail in the last eight on Friday
- Brazil and Argentina could meet in the semi-finals of the World Cup next week
- Selecao first need to get past Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday afternoon
- Lionel Messi and Co have Holland standing in their way of a last-four place
- Former Brazil striker Fred is desperate for his country to face their bitter rivals
- The 39-year-old is dreaming of a scenario where Messi is left in tears afterwards
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Former Brazil striker Fred is desperate for his country to meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals - and leave Lionel Messi in tears.
Both South American countries are gearing up for quarter-final ties on Friday, with Brazil set to take on Croatia at 3pm and Argentina locking horns with Holland at 7pm.
Should they emerge victorious, the two great rivals will battle it out for a place in the World Cup final next week.
![Lionel Messi and Argentina must get past Holland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/11/65414337-11519975-image-m-15_1670584644036.jpg)
![Neymar and Brazil are up against Croatia in the last eight of the World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/11/65413613-11519975-image-m-16_1670584650276.jpg)
Ex-Brazil star Fred has outlined his dream plan for Lionel Messi (L) to be left crying and Neymar (R) to produce a nutmeg if they meet bitter rivals Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals
Fred, who scored 18 goals in 39 caps for Brazil, is not hoping to avoid the likes of Messi and Julian Alvarez in the last four, instead setting his sights on a showdown with their old enemies which provides 'chaos and turmoil'.
The 39-year-old said on Brazilian network TV Globo: 'I want a Brazil-Argentina semifinal. I want chaos, turmoil, a Neymar nutmeg, Messi crying'.
For his dream scenario to come off, Fred first needs Brazil to get past Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday.
![Fred, who earned 39 caps for Brazil, is hoping for 'chaos and turmoil' if the two countries meet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/11/65413611-11519975-image-a-17_1670584974924.jpg)
Fred, who earned 39 caps for Brazil, is hoping for 'chaos and turmoil' if the two countries meet
![And he would love to see Argentina superstar left in tears after a win for Selecao](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/11/65413607-11519975-image-m-20_1670585210942.jpg)
And he would love to see Argentina superstar left in tears after a win for Selecao
Tite's men are one of the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy in Qatar, having won three of their four outings at the tournament so far - only slipping up in the final group game after already reaching the last 16.
They tore South Korea apart in just 36 minutes of their first knockout game on Monday, scoring four goals and celebrating every one of them with some flamboyant dance moves.
Croatia, meanwhile, needed penalties to get past Japan in their last-16 tie after only winning one of their three group matches.
As a result, Zlatko Dalic's side will be up against it when they meet Selecao in Al Rayyan on Friday.
Argentina against Holland appears more of a 50-50 encounter on paper. The former have found their rhythm after bouncing back from a shock opening defeat against Saudi Arabia to record three straight victories, while Louis van Gaal's Oranje picked up seven points in the group stage before seeing off USA in the last 16.
If Brazil and Argentina both progress to set up an all-South American semi, it will be their first meeting in the competition for 32 years.
![But his country first need to get past Croatia in Friday's first quarter-final for it to come off](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/09/11/65414685-11519975-image-a-21_1670585259105.jpg)
But his country first need to get past Croatia in Friday's first quarter-final for it to come off
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- Sinner defeats home favourite Fritz to win the US Open title
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl