Argentina enters semifinals
Argentina sealed their place in the semifinals of the World Cup on Friday by beating the Netherlands on penalties at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, with two vital saves by Dibu Martinez, to meet Croatia on Tuesday 13, also victorious from 11 meters over Brazil, for a place in the final of Qatar 2022.
Will face Croatia
The quarterfinals left no one indifferent in their first two installments. Croatia eliminated the five-time champions and then, at the Lusail Iconic Stadium where the final will be played, Argentina got out of an unexpected mess to keep their way to the third star 36 years later. The script was perfect for Scaloni’s team: 0-2 and without suffering, but the ‘Oranja’ rebelled and in what a way.
Weghorst
Weghorst’s brace left a goal for World Cup history when, in the last, the Netherlands scored from a set piece, with a pass to the striker between the melee, from a free kick to force extra time in the 101st minute. Still, Argentina were better in extra time, with several good chances to prevent a shootout in which ‘Dibu’ was the hero and Lautaro Martinez scored the semi-final penalty.
Brasil 2014
The double world champions once again thwarted the Dutch, as they did in the semifinals of Brazil 2014, also on penalties. Argentina’s mission advanced with much suffering, even though Messi, who was already loose against Australia in the round of 16, was once again decisive against the rocky ‘Oranje’ in search of the world crown.
Equal first half
Equality, however, prevailed in the first half, with both teams serious in the center of the field, with no gifts. However, Scaloni’s team seemed to win on points, with some theft and some more arrivals, playing the first half hour in the European field.
Dutch danger in the Argentinean area
Memphis and Bergwijn found themselves in danger on the inside to bring the Netherlands out of the cave, reminding their opponents that this was how they reached the quarter-finals in Qatar. However, the ‘Oranje’ seemed to have squeezed their juice before meeting the South American team.
Mollina’s goal for Argentina
De Paul had one that Messi would have sent to save in front of the goal and, in the next one, the ’10’ appeared in the drive, got away from two rivals and put an incredible pass to Molina’s run. The Atlético de Madrid player did it perfectly as well: a control and another touch to the ball to make it 0-1.
The wall opens
Scaloni’s men broke through Van Gaal’s wall with the quality of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and the game opened up for the Netherlands. the game opened up for the Netherlands. Argentina did not hesitate to press from there to the break and, at the start of the second half, remained serene and firm against an almost inoperative opponent in the opponent’s half.
Penalty for Argentina
Van Gaal’s team hardly generated any danger, returning to the sensations of doubt of their start in Qatar but this time without the great consolation of a goal. The Albiceleste found the gaps in the robbery, mounted contras with danger, but the 0-2 came in an innocent penalty by Dumfries on Acuna. The Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz, who was then grateful for the quiet game, had it clear.
An incredible reaction
Messi grabbed the ball and put it into the side netting, impossible for Noppert, with 20 minutes to go (0-2). The PSG player also had a direct free kick to increase the lead. Then, from the Dutch bench, the surprise began to take shape. The Netherlands got nothing to drink from the game and Van Gaal burned the midfield by opting for direct play, first with Luuk De Jong and then with Weghorst, who headed in to make it 1-2 in the 83rd minute.
Argentina gets in the back
Argentina’s legs trembled and they went in behind, with Berghuis almost making it 2-2 after a ball from the sky by De Jong. The scare, like the one they also suffered against Australia, lasted until the final whistle in the 102nd minute and Mateu Lahoz was also encouraged his work with the clash between the two teams.
Weghorst, 2-2 in stoppage time
The double world champions defended with everything they had but from a free kick in front, the Netherlands pulled off a miracle with Weghorst making it 2-2 in long stoppage time. Everyone expected the direct kick, but Koopmeiners looked to pass for his teammate’s brace. In extra time, Argentina regained a dominant and attacking role, with good chances for Messi and Lautaro.
Cruel disposal
The Netherlands had a rematch in hand, but it was ‘Dibu’s’ side that won the semi-final berth by stopping Van Dijk and Berghuis’ shots. Van Gaal and his team suffered the same fate of 2014 and a cruel elimination in their unbeaten run since the last EURO, which puts Argentina one step closer to reigning again and crowning Messi.
