In a night of intense World Cup drama, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 extra-time draw. Argentina will now play Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals. Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina, saved the team's bacon in the penalty shootout after Lionel Messi had put the South Americans on the verge of the semifinals with a two-goal lead in the last minutes of regulation.
The Netherlands rallied with seven minutes left in regulation time to force extra time thanks to two dramatic goals from Wout Weghorst, the second coming from a free kick that was surprisingly creative.
After Messi produced a fantastic assist for Nahuel Molina and a precise goal from the penalty spot, Argentina appeared like it would easily advance to the round of four.
Argentina prevailed to maintain interest in the sport in South America just hours after Brazil and Neymar were eliminated from the tournament by the Croats on penalties.
With at least 75% of the 88,235 spectators supporting the South American team and only a few people wearing orange shirts, the Lusail Stadium seemed like home for Argentina.
But everyone was treated to a gripping late-night thriller, which ended shortly before 1 a.m. local time.
He broke through the Dutch defense with a brilliant reverse ball between Daley Blind and Virgil van Dijk into the path of Nahuel Molina, who timed his run perfectly and scored with the outside of his foot. He gave no indications of his intentions.
In response, Dutch manager Luis van Gaal made two substitutions at halftime, inserting Teun Koopmeiners and Steven Berghuis into the midfield in place of Bergwijn and Marten De Roon.
The Dutch saw a lot of the ball, but their play lacked creativity and was too predictable.
The Argentines had the advantage and it came as no surprise when they increased it in the 73rd minute after Denzel Dumphries fouled Marcos Acuna inside the penalty area. Messi converted the penalty kick perfectly, burying the ball in the corner.
However, the Dutch were not going out without a fight and pulled a goal back with seven minutes remaining on an angled glancing header from Weghorst after a deep ball from Berghuis.
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