Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream was preserved by Argentina’s 4-3 victory against the Netherlands in a penalty shootout on Friday after the Dutch had miraculously salvaged a 2-2 draw in their remarkable quarterfinal.
Argentina gained a significant advantage because to Emiliano Martinez’s stops of the first two Dutch penalties, and on Tuesday, the South Americans will face Croatia in the semifinals when Lautaro Martinez sent Andries Noppert the wrong way.
In front of the throngs of Argentina supporters, Messi raised his arms in celebration, his chances of winning football’s top trophy at the fifth attempt still alive for a few more days.
The 35-year-old Messi stated, “Argentina are among the four finest in the world because they demonstrate that they know how to play every game with the same passion and the same intensity.”
“A lot of happiness and delight. We had to suffer even though there was no need for extra time or penalties. However, we succeeded, which is impressive.
Messi’s celebrations were set against the third bench-clearing brawl of the game as some of the Dutch players, upset at coming so close to one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, fought with their Argentine opponents.
Spanish referee Antonio Mateu issued a total of 19 cards throughout the game, and Dutch wingback Denzel Dumfries was dismissed following the final whistle for his involvement in the final altercation.
The Dutch struck twice through replacement Wout Weghorst with only seven minutes of regular time remaining to send the game into two scoreless overtime periods, seemingly on their way home at 2-0 down.
Almost obviously, Messi had contributed significantly to Argentina’s advantage.
While Messi broke through a stifling Dutch defense that had wiped out any prior chances, Nahuel Molina’s goal gave Argentina the lead in the 35th minute.
He took possession of the ball 40 meters away, ghosted to his left in front of a wall of defenders, and then passed the ball back to his right to Molina, who was standing on the edge of the box.
The wingback took a touch and pushed the ball beyond the advancing Andries Noppert to the joy of the vast majority of the 88,235 spectators at Lusail Stadium.
When Messi converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute after Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna on the edge of the area, the Albiceleste supporters were in even more ecstasy.
The Dutch regained control of the game by barraging the Argentine area with high balls intended for their tall target men, using strategies more akin to Sunday park play than Total Football.
When Steven Berghuis crossed from the right and fellow replacement Wout Weghorst headed the ball beyond Martinez’s dive, they were rewarded with a goal in the 83rd minute.
The Argentines maintained their advantage until 11 seconds remained in regulation time, when Teun Koopmeiners deftly deflected a free kick and located Weghorst open, allowing him to knock the ball past Martinez and tie the game.
The sudden change of events in the first extra period of time had the Argentines reeling, but they soon regained their composure and pounded the Dutch goal with shots. Enzo Hernandez came the closest to scoring with a rasping effort that hit the post.
The late push gave Argentina the advantage going into the shootout, and Martinez strengthened it by saving Van Dijk and Berghuis’ penalty kicks.
The defeat ended Louis van Gaal’s third tenure as manager and was the first for the Dutch in 20 games dating back to the European Championship last year.
Van Gaal stated, “We rehearsed penalties all year, and then you mess it up.
“What a shame. I want to have everything under control since I’m a coach. I requested the players to take a penalty at their club because of this, and they all did. You will no longer win if you miss two. Such a series simply cannot be simulated.
