World Cup 2022: Argentina Outlast Netherlands On Penalties To Reach Semi-finals

Argentina came out victorious of a hard fought 2-2 draw against Netherlands on penalties and are through to the semi-finals of the fifa World Cup in Qatar.

The Dutch side were able to hold the Argentine down until a masterclass display of skill from Lionel Messi with a cut-back to Nahuel Molina, who kicked past goalkeeper Andries Noppert to give the Argentine the lead just after half hour of play. 

Argentina remained on top of their game after halftime break and Messi doubled the lead scoring from a penalty drawn by Acuna before the Netherlands got a goal from Wout Weghorst's glance header with seven minutes remaining. 

Whilst the game seemed as if it was going to go the way of Argentina, a free-kick would wreck that expectation as Weghorst scored again and leveled the scoreline and forced the game to go into extra-time. 

Late into the extra-time was really tensed with Argentina coming really close to snatching the victory when Enzo Fernandez's strike hit the woodwork and bounced off to safety. 

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved Virgil van Dijk's spot kick while Messi scored his before Lautaro Martinez scored the decider to give the Argentine side a 4-3 lead to win and will progress to play against Croatia in the semi-finals.