Former world champions Argentina upset the 2010 runners-up Netherlands in the second quarterfinal match of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in a thrilling contest that saw both teams battle to a 2-2 draw in overtime after scoring two goals apiece. To determine who would move on to the semifinals, the game went to penalties. Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine goalkeeper, was the hero when he made two important stops to help Argentina defeat Netherlands 4-3 in penalties.
Argentina attempted to take control of the game right away. Just five minutes into the first half, Argentina is making progress, but their attack stalls just outside the penalty area as they encounter a strong Dutch defense lineup. That doesn’t stop the Argentines from moving forward, though. Andries Noppert of the Netherlands, who once gave everyone in the crowd a little fright by making a daring ball that went barely beyond Julian Alvarez’s extended leg to a center-back, is able to stop a few shots at the goal.
The Netherlands kept more of the ball possession during the early 15 minutes into the first half. Messi managed to break through in the 21st minute as he fired a bullet shot that went a few meters over the post. That shot came after a long period in which the Netherlands had pretty much dominated the game.
After Messi sends in a sublime ball that pierces through the Dutch defense on the left and finds Nabuel Molina waiting in the box at minute 36, Argentina is eventually able to score the first goal. Molina puts a beautiful through pass into the goal. At the perfect time, he scored Argentina’s first ever international goal! Argentina quickly took the lead 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The play swung back and forth between both teams as the second half got underway. Messi came close to scoring on a fantastic free kick at the 63-minute mark when Ban Dijk made a hard tackle outside the penalty area. Although it coils in, the shot fizzes just over the right bar. Acuna is tripped by Dumfires at the edge of the box at minute 73, and the referee awards a penalty. Messi takes the shot and hits it well to the right of the Dutch keeper, who had little time to react. Argentina now leads 2-0 after a goal from Messi.
The Netherlands finally scored their first goal in the 83rd minute on an outstanding header by Wout Weghorst, who also helped his team close the score. The Netherlands scored the equalizer with just a few seconds left in the first extra period after Weghorst managed to turn in a free kick. Both teams continue to attempt to score against one another as more time is added to the game. At the conclusion of 30 minutes, the score had not changed. Penalties will now be used to determine the winner!
THE PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Netherlands are to kick off the penalty shootouts in a quest to determine the winner!
- Netherlands Shot No. 1
To take the opening shot, Virgil Van Dijk enters the scene. He attempts to put the ball in, but Emiliano Martinez dives to his right and makes a spectacular stop.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (0-0)
- Argentina Shot No. 1
For the first penalty for Argentina, Captain Messi enters the game. He simply rolls it down the middle while maintaining his composure as always. The goalie has little chance of stopping that.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (0-1)
- Netherlands Shot No. 2
Steven Berghuis attempts the shot, but Martinez makes a great stop by diving full stretch to his left.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (0-1)
- Argentina Shot No. 2
When Paredes enters the game, he immediately fires a shot to Noppert’s right into the goal!
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (0-2)
- Netherlands Shot No. 3
Stepping up, Teun Koopmeiners gives the Netherlands their first goal.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (1-2)
- Argentina Shot No. 3
The next player is Montiel, and he makes his shot, giving Argentina a 3-1 advantage.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (1-3)
- Netherlands Shot No. 4
The Dutch Saviour, Wout Weghorst walks in, shoots, and scores his third goal of the evening.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (2-3)
- Argentina Shot No. 4
Fernandez takes the fourth shot but misses.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (2-3)
- Netherlands Shot No. 5
To deliver the ultimate blow, Luuk De Jong steps in. To keep his team in the game, he must score. He scores after firing it in. Holland is still competing!
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (3-3)
- Argentina Shot No. 5
To take the decisive shot, Lautaro Martinez stands up. He made the shot and won the game. Argentina has advanced to the FIFA 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Score: Netherlands – Argentina (3-4)
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made many fantastic stops to help Argentina secure a decisive lead in the penalty shootout. He also blocked the first two shots from the Netherlands with great skill. Only the fourth penalty was missed by the Argentine forwards on the opposing side, who did an outstanding job overall. Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties in a tough, exciting match at Lusail Stadium to move to the semifinal against Croatia.
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