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Argentina beat Netherlands in penalty shootout to advance: World Cup result
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Summary
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.
Background reading
(Photo: Getty Images)
What an extra time
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.
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Massive chances for Argentina!
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.
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Argentina have themselves to blame
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.
Croatia won't fear the winner
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)
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Are penalties inevitable?
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.
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