Argentina qualifies for the semifinals in World Cup after a 4-3 penalty win.
It was an exhilarating match between Netherlands and Argentina with both teams tying at 2-2 at the end of the extra-time in the quarter-final match. Messi’s quest to win his first World Cup in his final tournament was put to test as the Dutch who had a 19 games unbeaten run gave Argentinians a tough fight.
Argentina took a 1-0 lead thanks to a fantastic goal set up by Messi’s brilliant ball pass to Nahuel Molina, who scored. The Netherlands were unable to make a first-half comeback. The Argentinians extended their advantage to 2-0 early in the second half with a penalty. Wout Weghorst scored two late goals to tie the game for the Netherlands, the second coming in the last minute of the first half of extra time. The game went to a penalty shootout. Emiliano Martinez made several excellent saves that led the Argentinian to gain a 2-0 advantage in the penalties. Argentina won 4-3 after the Dutch equalised and Lautaro Martines scored the winning goal. Argentina will face Croatia in the semi-final.
Malini is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Auckland.
