Two times world cup winner, Argentina will be heading to the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament after defeating the Oranjes of Netherlands 4-3 on penalties.
In an entertaining encounter that finished 2-2 during regular time, two penalty saves from Emiliano Martinez ensured the Argentinian side emerged 4-3 victors after the shootout.
Argentina will face Croatia who defeated Brazil on Friday afternoon in the first semi-final clash.
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In the tense quarter-final clash between 2014 and 2010 world cup finalists, Argentina and Netherlands respectively, both sides put on an entertaining show for their viewers from the commencement of the game.
Nahuel Molina had put Argentina ahead in the first half after receiving a pass from football icon, Lionel Messi in the 35th minute.
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Argentina was awarded a controversial penalty after Netherlands’ Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have brought down Marcus Acuna in the box. Argentina’s talisman, Lionel Messi stepped up to bag his 4th goal of the tournament and his country’s 2nd for the evening.
In the dying minutes of the game, the Netherlands head coach, Louis Van Gaal made some tactical change to the game; bringing in Wout Werghost who went on to bag the goals that would elongate the game into extra-time.
Werghost scored a brilliant header in the 83rd minute before he stunned Argentinians with a memorable brace in the 11th minute of extra-minute.
Enzo Fernandez‘s shot in the last minute of extra-time hit the crossbar as the referee concluded that the game would go into penalties.
Argentina’s Martinez inspired his side to a profound victory after he saved Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and Steven Berghuis‘ spot kicks. His country went on to win 4-3 on penalties after Lautaro Martinez stepped up to take the deciding kick.
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