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.
🪄 Messi's incredible assist
🎯 Unbelievable last-minute equaliser
😳 Dramatic penaltiesYou'll definitely want to see these highlights on FIFA+ 👇
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 9, 2022
Argentina have won the most penalty shootouts of any side in World Cup history (5 wins from 6), while only Spain (4) have lost more penalty shootouts at the World Cup than Netherlands (1 win from 4).
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.
Argentina looked in total control after a first-half strike from Nahuel Molina and a penalty from Lionel Messi, his 10th goal at a World Cup, had given them a two-goal cushion in the second half.
But the Netherlands finally came to life with some direct substitutions from coach Louis van Gaal, who withdrew Memphis Depay and Steven Bergwijn and threw on target men Wout Weghorst and Luuk de Jong.
Weghorst made things interesting by heading home a cross from another substitute Steven Berghuis, who then had the chance to level from inside the area but fired just wide of the near post.
Wout Weghorst has become the first ever substitute to score twice in a World Cup match for Netherlands. His equaliser was timed at 100:30 – the latest second half goal in a World Cup knockout stage game since Opta have exact goal times (from 1966).
Argentina thought they had weathered the storm, but then conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position and Weghorst struck again to force the extra period.
Lionel Scaloni’s side showed more desire to try and snatch victory and had a flurry of late chances in extra-time, with Enzo Fernandez hitting the post. As in the day’s earlier game between Croatia and Brazil, a penalty shootout was required and Argentina’s charismatic goalkeeper stepped into the limelight.
Messi has either scored or set up six of Argentina’s nine goals at this World Cup.
Lionel Messi has now been fouled 65 times in World Cup matches. Since Opta have this data (from 1966), this is the second most fouls won by any player at the tournament, although 87 behind Diego Maradona’s record (152).
Player of the match:Lionel Messi
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