After a thrilling match in Lusail, Argentina advanced to the World Cup semifinals thanks to a win over the Netherlands that was inspired by Lionel Messi.
Once the Albiceleste’s star player converted a penalty late in the second half, they appeared to be in cruise control after Nahuel Molina’s unbelievable first-half assist.
But the game’s trajectory was altered when Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst entered play and promptly headed home what appeared to be a minor consolation goal.
The Argentine defence was no match for the former Burnley striker, and in the final minute of stoppage time, he finished off a brilliant free-kick routine with a poke shot that sent the game into overtime.
Still, the Dutch woes were only postponed, as Argentina advanced to the semifinals thanks to a pair of penalty kick saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
After Zlatko Dalic’s team pulled off another upset in the day’s earlier game and also advanced via shootout, they will face Croatia instead of old rivals Brazil in the next round.
That's it! Argentina are in the World Cup semi-finals! 🇦🇷
📺💻🎧 Reaction on @BBCiPlayer, @BBCOne, and on @BBCSounds #BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/BzDyG3H0rS
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 9, 2022
Lineups:
Argentina (3-5-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 13. Romero, 19. Otamendi, 25. L. Martinez — 26. Molina, 20. Mac Allister, 7. De Paul, 24. E. Fernandez, 8. Acuna — 9. Alvarez, 10. Messi
Netherlands (3-4-1-2, right to left): 23. Noppert (GK) — 2. Timber, 4. Van Dijk, 5. Ake — 22. Dumfries, 15. De Roon, 21. De Jong, 17. Blind — 10. Gakpo — 7. Bergwijn, 10. Depay
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