Argentina will meet Croatia in the semi-finals. The audience saw a series of penalties in the second quarter-final in a row. The hero is Emiliano Martinez.
This time, from the 11-meter mark, Argentina won the ticket to the next stage. Emiliano Martinez saved the first two penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, which decided the shootout fate.
From the Albiceleste side, Leo Messi, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel hit accurately, and after Enzo Fernandez’s deflected shot, Lautaro Martinez took the critical penalty and successfully converted it.
The Match
The first half was characterized by a fierce battle in the center of the field and quick, effective counter-pressing from both teams. However, Argentina still had the advantage, as reflected in the goal scored in the 35th minute. After Leo Messi’s pass, Nahuel Molina understood the situation perfectly and opened the score.
The Netherlands improved the quality of their game both in the center and final third, but Albiceleste scored again. Against Acuna, Denzel Dumfries was penalized on the penalty line. However, Lionel Messi converted the penalty kick awarded by Mateo Laos into a goal.
Then Louis van Gaal applied relatively bold changes, from which the replacement of Wout Weghorst, in terms of the result and impact, had no alternative. Therefore, the chronology of the main events of the Besiktas striker looks like this.
- 45+2 – Vaut Weghorst gets a yellow card on the bench
- 78 – Weghorst replaces Depay
- 83 – Weghorst reduces the deficit (1:2)
- 90+11 – Weghorst equalizes the score!
Assists for Dutch goals belong to Berghuis and Koopminers. At the end of second extra time, Argentina had several chances to score, but the Orange were either saved by the goalkeeper Noppert, or the ball was hit to the post.
In the end, Lionel Scallon’s team won 4-3 in the penalties and will meet Croatia in the semi-finals.
