Fifa World Cup 2022: Argentina beat Netherlands and go into semis after late-night drama
- South Americans looked set to reach last four after Messi conjured up a brilliant assist for Nahuel Molina and clinical goal from penalty spot
- But the Dutch came back to life with two late goals by Wout Weghorst to force extra time, before finally succumbing in penalty shoot-out
Argentina will face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 extra-time draw on a night of high World Cup drama.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero in the shoot-out after the South Americans let a two-goal lead slip in the final minutes of normal time after Lionel Messi had put them on the brink of the last four.
Wout Weghorst scored two dramatic late goals, the second from a remarkably inventive free-kick in the 11th minute of stoppage time, as the Netherlands fought back with seven minutes of normal time remaining to force extra time.
Argentina had looked well set to reach the last four after Messi conjured up a brilliant assist for Nahuel Molina and a clinical goal from the penalty spot.
Just hours after Brazil and Neymar crashed out of the tournament on penalties to the Croats, Argentina survived to keep South American interest in the competition alive.
