Nahuel Molina and a Lionel Messi penalty gave Argentina a two-goal cushion.Wout Weghorst struck twice — levelling in the 100th minute — to force extra-time.Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties in the shootout.
Emiliano Martinez came to Argentina’s rescue as his side overcame the shock of losing a two-goal lead to go on and defeat the Netherlands on penalties and reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The goalkeeper saved from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, leaving Lautaro Martinez to blast home Argentina’s fifth penalty and send the Albiceleste into the last four.
Lionel Messi has assisted five goals in the World Cup knockout stages – since Opta have World Cup assists (from 1966), this is the most on record in the knockout rounds of the finals, surpassing Pelé’s four.
After match Lionel Messi said, “We’re really enjoying the people, going little by little. We’re very happy.”
“Croatia showed that they are a great team. At times they played on an equal footing with Brazil. It is a team that has been working with the same coach for a long time and they know each other very well,”he added.
“A lot of joy, a lot of happiness. It wasn’t to go to extra time or penalties, we had to suffer. But we got through and it’s something impressive,”Messi said.
Lionel Messi further said ,”We are enjoying the moment, just like the people here and in Argentina. Getting into the best four is something spectacular. From the beginning we have been saying that Diego is watching us, he is pushing from above “.
Bengali