A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina saw off a spirited Netherlands fightback to book their place in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup after a thrilling contest in Lusail.
The Albiceleste looked home and hosed late in the second half after their talismanic No.10 dispatched a penalty to follow up a barely believable assist for Nahuel Molina in the opening 45 minutes.
But the course of the game changed when substitute Wout Weghorst entered the action for the Dutch and soon headed home what initially appeared to be little more than a consolation goal.
Argentina simply could not handle the former Burnley striker’s physicality, and he sent the game to extra time by poking a finish home in the final minute of time added on after a genius free-kick routine.
However, that ultimately only delayed the Netherlands’ misery, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez producing more penalty heroics to save twice and send Argentina into the last four.
They will now face Croatia there rather than old rivals Brazil after Zlatko Dalic’s side produced yet another shock in the day’s earlier game after beating Brazil 4-2 via a shootout.
In today’s games, Morocco takes on Portugal at 5 pm while England will face France at 9 pm.
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