Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout to advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
The Dutch missed their first two attempts in the shootouts, but Laurato Martinez converted the go-ahead penalty to advance the two-time World Champions to the semifinals.
When Enzo Fernandez missed his kick, the Dutch had a slim chance, but Noppert was powerless to block the game’s decisive kick.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup semifinals twice in the past ten years, the first time being in 2014.
Argentina lost control of their two-goal advantage in the difficult contest as the Netherlands battled from behind to tie the score at two goals apiece and force extra time.
Lionel Messi’s wonderful through ball for Nahuel Molina to finish in the 35th minute gave the game its first goal.
Later, after Acuna was fouled in the penalty area, Lionel Messi converted from the spot to extend Argentina’s lead.
The South American team appeared to be heading for triumph, but Luis Van Gaal’s team managed to re-enter the contest when Wout Weghorst scored with a header in the 83rd minute.
In the penultimate minute of extra time, the Dutch striker evened the score, forcing overtime.
Prior to the penalty shootouts, where Emiliano Martinez worked his magic with two saves to send Argentina through, neither team could score in extra time.
