Advertisement
40 New Updates
Argentina beat Netherlands on penalty kicks at the 2022 World Cup and will play against Croatia for a place in the final.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi superbly set up Nahuel Molina for their first-half opener before converting a penalty kick to put his side on course to face Croatia for a place in the final.
But Wout Weghorst’s header 10 minutes later sparked his side into life and he then forced an additional thirty minutes when he scrambled the ball home with only seconds left.
Neither side could find a winner, with Argentina the side to prevail on penalties, winning 4-3. They will face Croatia in the semi-finals after their shock shootout victory over Brazil.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Can we take a moment to appreciate just how fun this extra time period has been? I'm often inclined to think that extra time as a concept is pointless as both teams are generally too afraid to risk anything, but Argentina are really pushing to avoid a shootout and the Dutch are genuinely trying to counter. It's great to watch.
Advertisement
120' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
The ensuing corner kick smacks off the crossbar. The next corner leads to a shot from the top of the box, which Noppert does brilliantly to stop!
119' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
Argentina spring a brilliant counter-attack, ending with Lautaro Martinez turning to elude his defender and firing a shot on goal. Noppert is able to parry the ball to safety.
116' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
Argentina are searching for a winner here, as Pezzella is the latest to get an opportunity, heading the ball just over the crossbar from a corner.
115' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
Argentina work a great team move, before Lautaro Martinez lashes a shot towards goal. Van Dijk crucially gets in front of it.
Moments later, Enzo Fernandez has a shot deflected that nearly loops into the goal, landing on the top netting instead.
Gakpo is replaced by Lang, 23 years of age, making his sixth international appearance.
The Dutch have one sub left.
Advertisement
Returning from injury, Angel Di Maria comes on as Argentina's sixth and final sub. He replaces Lisandro Martinez.
Watching the way Argentina have controlled possession for most of this extra time period just underlines the folly of what preceded it.
Why did they allow a desperate Netherlands team to take control? They played with confidence for 80 minutes and with fear for 20, and now the fate of Messi's last World Cup run hangs in the balance.
110' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
Messi takes the ball into the corner of the Dutch box, cuts inside of his defender, and tries one of his patented curling shots towards the far post, but it's off target.
This is enthralling, captivating, and there have been a couple of moments of high quality from both teams, but I really don’t feel like we’re watching two great teams.
I don’t think Croatia — or anyone from the other side of the draw — would look at either of these sides and think there was much, other than the obvious, to be frightened of.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Argentina make their fifth change as we get back underway, as Montiel comes on for Molina.
Advertisement
Playing for Wolfsburg, he scored the same way he did for the equaliser today:
We're just 15 minutes away from penalties now...
De Ligt and Janssen are currently warming up on the touchline. It looks like van Gaal is still prepared to make changes, after making four substitutions already.
De Ligt has not made a single appearance at the tournament so far, yet could be required to freshen up the defence.
104' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
Argentina send a long ball into the box where Otamendi is streaking towards the post, but he just can't quite get on the end of it.
Argentina have belatedly tried to become a football team again rather than a leaky human flood barrier, but both of these sides are now playing like they have something to lose and energy levels - particularly it seems on the Argentine side - are running very low.
Both might be able to convince themselves that penalties are the best option now.
Advertisement
98' Argentina 2-2 Netherlands
After an absolutely incredible end to regular time, both sides have calmed things down here in extra time. We've yet to have a shot, or really even a notable chance.
Nearly singlehandedly brought his team back into this match:
Extra time has begun!