Messi-led Argentina Knocked Out the Netherlands in Quarter-finals by 4-3 on Penalties

Messi-led Argentina Knocked Out the Netherlands in Quarter-finals by 4-3 on Penalties

The FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinals had a great start. Day 1 saw some spectacular performances by 4 of the top 8 teams. After Croatia beat Brazil, Argentina made a strong comeback against the Dutch and converted it into victory. After the match proceeded to penalties in a 2-2 draw, Argentina claimed the victory with 4-3 on the board.

The first half saw Argentina leading with two goals. Later, the Netherlands tied the score with two successful shots. The extra time saw no goal, forcing the match into penalties. This victory took Lionel Messi, the global superstar, another step closer to his first World Cup title when this tournament could be his last.

On Tuesday, Argentina will face Croatia for the semi-final clash after four straight victories after losing the opening game to Saudi Arabia. The last time, Argentina won a championship was in 1986. The opponents, the Netherlands were considered to be at the top of the list of nations to win the World Cup. However, the Dutch will have to wait another four years for another chance to claim that title.

When the match began at Lusail Stadium, it went on without a goal on the board for the first 35 minutes. Messi offered a no-look assist to Nahuel Molina in the 35^th minute through six defenders, who converted the opportunity well. Messi, himself, delivered a well-paced finish in the 73^rd minute from the penalty spot to take the lead to 2-0.

The Dutch had the possession controlled throughout the game but couldn’t find a scoring opportunity. However, they had their fair pair of gut punches. The Netherlands got their first score on the board from the substitute Wout Weghorst. Brought in to replace Memphis Depay, he took a successful shot in the 83^rd minute. The equalizer came in at the stoppage time’s 11^th minute.

In the final 20+ minutes, spectators enjoyed a host of yellow cards and fouls along with a near-bench-clearing scuffle. By the end of the game, there was a total of 48 fouls and 15 yellow cards. Extra time lasted for 30 minutes and the match advanced into penalties. Martinez faced the penalty shots from the Dutch and saved the first two. From Argentina, Messi and Lautaro converted their shots into victory for their team.

Now, Messi will be leading Argentina against Croatia in the semi-final match at the Lusail Stadium.