Argentina escapes Dutch comeback, wins in penalty FIFA 22
FIFA 22, QATAR — Argentina escapes Dutch comeback, wins in penalty kicks to reach semifinals. Lionel Messi and Argentina aren’t leaving Qatar yet.
The Argentines withstood a remarkable late comeback by the Netherlands that forced a 2-2 game into penalties and, thanks to two huge saves from keeper Emiliano Martínez, won the ensuing shootout, 4-3, to keep their World Cup run alive.
Emi Martínez showed off the dance moves after a penalty save 🕺🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/W5jTvRG9q5
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022
In the opening 80 minutes in Friday’s quarterfinal at Lusail Stadium, Messi delivered two of his signature moments of magic: a no-look assist through six defenders on Nahuel Molina’s opening goal in the 35th minute, followed by a well-placed finish from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
But the Dutch — who had controlled possession but struggled to find quality opportunities for much of the game — responded with their own pair of gut punches. Substitute Wout Weghorst, a 30-year-old journeyman forward brought on for star Memphis Depay in the 78th minute, found the first goal in the 83rd minute and then equalized at the death on a brilliant set piece maneuver in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
The final 20-plus minutes of the match were testy, full of fouls, yellow cards and a near-bench-clearing scuffle at one point. The game finished with 48 total fouls and 15 yellow cards between the two sides.
After an equally tense 30 minutes of extra time, Martínez saved the first two Dutch penalty shots he faced. Messi converted on his penalty kick, and Lautaro Martínez converted the winner from the spot.
Argentina will play Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.
