FIFA World Cup 2022, Match 58: Argentina edge past the Netherlands 4-3 in penalty shootout, qualify for Semi-final

On 10 December 2022, Argentina locked horns with the Netherlands in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. It was the second quarter-final of this tournament that took place in Lusail Stadium. Lionel Messi’s Argentina were coming off after a 2-1 win over Australia. On the other hand, the Dutch defeated the USA by 3-1 in the Round of 16.

So, all fans were waiting to see these teams clashing in the World Cup. All eyes were on Lionel Messi once again he has shown good form in this tournament so far. So, Argentina fans were hoping for another top-class performance against the Netherlands.

Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 in the penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Speaking of the match, both teams started the game evenly. In the 22nd minute, Lionel Messi had a chance to score as he managed a shot. But, his effort went over the bar. Then, in the 25th minute, Depay and Bergwijn combined and set up a chance. Again, that went far off the right post. Finally, in the 35th minute, Argentina scored the opener. 

Nahuel Molina scored that goal while Lionel Messi came up with a beautiful assist. It was Molina’s first International goal for Argentina. Then, in the 40th minute, Messi had another shot. But, the Dutch goalkeeper, Andries Noppert saved it with ease. Thus, the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, Argentina began the game with an aim to kill the game quickly. In the 51st minute, a ball was there for Messi to double the lead for his country. But, Noppert came out instantly to grab that ball out of Messi’s path. After that, in the 63rd minute, Messi had a free-kick from his preferred position. But, it was an off-target attempt from the Argentine superstar.  

However, in the 73rd minute, Messi scored the opener from the spot and made it 2-0 in favor of Argentina. The referee awarded a penalty to Argentina due to a foul on Acuna. After that, in the 83rd minute, Wout Weghorst scored a great header to make it 2-1 while Steven Berghuis provided the assist. Then, Wout Weghorst managed to score his and the Netherlands’ second goal in the 90+11′ minute. Thus, the game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes. In the extra time, no goals were scored as the game went into a penalty shootout. There, Argentina managed to defeat the Dutch by 4-3 and qualified for the semi-final.