Argentina have moved to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup after beating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties. The two teams could not be separated after 120 minutes of football – and it was to the credit of the Dutch that they were able to overturn a 2-0 deficit with barely a quarter of an hour remaining.
However, Emiliano Martinez was able to deny Virgil Van Dijk and Steven Berghuis from 12 yards out to help his side to the win. Enzo Fernandez was the only Argentina player to miss a penalty, but it did not matter in the end, with the goalkeeper being able to emerge as the difference-maker.
Argentina seal semi-final spot in the 2022 World Cup
Nahuel Molina tapped in an inch-perfect cross from Lionel Messi to open the scoring. With his assist, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has equalled Pele for five assists in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The Argentina skipper would score from the penalty spot in the second half to double their lead. But, Wout Weghorst’s height emerged as a big problem for the Copa America winners to deal with. The striker headed in the first goal to start the comeback.
And a very smart free-kick in the dying stages of the game allowed the Oranje to equalise. Weghorst’s brace earned more time for Louis Van Gaal’s side to try and find the winning goal. But Emi Martinez was simply too confident to err when a spot in the last four was at stake.
With their win, Argentina have set up a meeting with the 2018 finalists, Croatia, for a spot in the finals of the 2022 World Cup.
