Argentina outlasted the Netherlands with a penalty shootout win after the latest of late equalizers from Wout Weghorst in the 100th minute took the game to extra time.
Argentina led 2-0 for most of the 90 minutes and looked the most likely to win the game in extra time, but the fiery encounter couldn’t be decided within 120 minutes and had to go to a tense shootout.
Argentina takes on Croatia in the semifinal on Tuesday, aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2014.
Expected goals (xG): Argentina 1.77, Netherlands 0.59
Man of the Match: Lionel Messi, Argentina
At every turn in this tournament, Lionel Messi has stepped up when Argentina has needed him the most. This game was no different, with the talisman providing an incredible pass for the assist for the opening goal, then scoring twice from the penalty spot, once in normal time and the second in the shootout.
He finished the game having completed all three of the dribbles he attempted. He also won eight fouls and recorded three key passes, proving to be a nightmare for the Netherlands when he was on the ball.
Best Passer: Frenkie de Jong, Netherlands
Frenkie de Jong had a tremendous game in midfield for the Netherlands, completing 83 of the 89 passes he attempted, with that 93.3% pass completion rate the best of any player in the game. He completed all 11 line-breaking passes he attempted as he moved the ball efficiently through the midfield.
Best Challenger: Alexis Mac Allister, Argentina
In a game almost defined by the litany of yellow cards issued, Alexis Mac Allister has the strongest case as the top challenger. He won just two of the five aerial duels he was involved in but won all three of his 50/50 duels. He also was successful on three of the four tackles he attempted and was one of just three players not to commit a foul in the game.
Goalkeepers
In normal time and extra time, it was the Andries Noppert of the Netherlands who had the most impressive outing, saving three of the five on-target shots he faced in the game.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, on the other hand, conceded from both on-target shots he faced. It was a different story in the penalty shootout, though, with Martinez guessing right on the first two penalties, while the only unsuccessful Argentina penalty rebounded off the post.
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