Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero once again, helping his team overcome the Netherlands in a penalty shootout (4-3) in the quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, after the score was tied at 2-2 in regular time.
Right-back Nahuel Molina gave Argentina the lead in the 35th minute after Lionel Messi picked him out with a sumptuous reverse pass. The Argentine captain extended the lead with a well-taken penalty in the 73rd minute. Substitute Wout Weghorst scored two goals for the Dutch, one in the 83rd minute and the other with almost the last kick before the end of 10 minutes of added time, to take the match to extra-time. Though both teams had chances, Argentina came closest with an Enzo Fernandez strike from the edge of the box.
Martinez saved penalties from Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghius to help his team set up the semifinal date on December 13 with Croatia, who beat Brazil 1-1 (4-2) on penalties. Though Fernandez missed for Argentina, Lautaro Martinez converted the decisive spot-kick.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted for a tactical switch to a back three to match the Dutch formation. This led to the teams cancelling each other out early on. But, the Netherlands started having more of the ball from around the 15th minute and won the game's first corner in the 20th minute, though it was defended comfortably. Messi soon had a strike from range after a great piece of skill to create space. The Dutch responded with a shot of their own; Steven Bergwijn dragging wide from the edge of the box. Just as the match seemed to be settling again, Messi produced a magical assist to put Molina through on goal. The right-back stayed calm to finish.
For the rest of the half, the Dutch kept probing without really creating an opening. Argentina looked more than happy to defend deep. But, they were also alert to counterattacking opportunities. However, another gap did not materialise in the Netherlands defence. It was a chess match of a half in which the Dutch had 53 per cent of the possession and Argentina had four more shots. The difference between the teams was Messi.
van Gaal made two changes at half-time, throwing on Teun Koopmeiners and Steven Berghuis for Marten de Roon and Bergwijn. But, Argentina started better. However, the pattern from the first half was back soon as the Netherlands started having more of the ball. The introduction of Berghuis helped the Dutch introduce a bit more urgency into their attack, but they still found it hard to break through the Argentine defence.
Messi dropped deep to win a 50-50, danced away from two players and passed forward. He continued his run forward, got the ball back and won a free-kick near the edge of the box. He took the free-kick and the well-struck shot was only slightly high. van Gaal changed tactics in the 65th minute by bringing on target man Luuk de Jong upfront instead of left-wing-back Daley Blind. It was now a back four for the Dutch with Nathan Ake slotting in at left-back.
Cody Gakpo, now playing in his prefered left-wing role, started coming into the game more. Berghuis, similarly, started hugging the right touchline and receiving the ball in space. But, neither winger could make a telling contribution. Right-back Denzel Dumfries gave away a penalty around the 71st minute with a foul on the Argentine left-back Marcos Acuna. Messi stepped up to convert emphatically.
van Gaal threw on 6'6" striker Wout Weghorst instead of star man Memphis Depay, as the Dutch formation changed to what looked like a 4-2-4. Weghorst, who had got a yellow card before coming on for dissent from the bench, delivered with a controlled header in the 83rd minute from a Berghuis cross. It was the team's first shot on target. But, it had now found the way to the Argentine goal. A cross by Gakpo was nodded down by Weghorst, but Berghuis's powerful shot was deflected wide.
There were unsavoury scenes after Argentine substitute Leandro Paredas kicked the ball into the Dutch dugout. He was yellow-carded following a mini melee. A silly challenge by substitute Argentine defender German Pezzella gave away a free-kick in the 100th minute. A smart free-kick put Weghorst through on goal. He finished under pressure to take the match to extra time.
Argentina were the sentimental choice for many neutral fans at this World Cup. The logic being, "If it is to be Lionel Messi's last World Cup, he deserves to win for all he has done for football." To a much lesser extent, this was also applicable to Dutch coach Louis van Gaal. His battle with cancer, his age—at 71, he is the oldest head coach at Qatar 2022—and his charismatic quips to the media had won him a few new admirers. However, the veteran's best efforts were not enough to see his team through. Messi and his legion of fans can dream on after a hard-earned win.
