December 10, 2022
2 mins read

‘We are really happy, we suffered too much’

He then looked ahead to the semifinal against Croatia, who also beat Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout…reports Asian Lite News

Lionel Messi admitted his side had suffered to qualify for the semifinals of the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against the Netherlands.

“We are really happy, we suffered too much, but it’s a quarterfinal in the World Cup, and we suffered what we had to suffer to qualify,” said Messi.

Messi was the man of the match after setting up Nahuel Molina for the opening goal and then scoring Argentina’s second from the penalty spot with just 17 minutes left to play, reports Xinhua.

The game appeared to be over before a late Dutch fightback saw Wout Weghorst score in the 83rd and 10th minute of injury time to take it to extra time and penalties.

“We are taking it game after game with the same intensity and same desire. We want to be protagonists. We are really excited and really want to win and we need this joy for us and for everyone who supports us,” he said.

The striker expressed his frustration at the second equaliser for the Netherlands, saying that Spanish referee, Mateu Lahoz had added on too much injury time.

“I felt really angry at the late goal. I don’t want to talk about the referee, because you can get a suspension, but people saw what happened. FIFA have to look at that. They can’t put in a referee who isn’t up to the job at this stage,” he said.

However, Messi said that he had confidence his side would qualify.

“We knew we had an advantage with Emiliano (Martinez),” he said.

He then looked ahead to the semifinal against Croatia, who also beat Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout.

“Croatia will be really hard. They were better than Brazil at times and move the ball really well. They are working with the same coach (Zlatko Dalic) as 2018 and it will be really hard.

“I’ve said all World Cup, we are enjoying this, the fans, and taking it step by step.

“I am very happy,” he concluded.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who saved two penalties in the shootout, said: “I am very excited. We played for 45 million people. The people are not having a good time economically and we are giving them some joy.”

“I couldn’t make the saves in 90 minutes, but luckily I was able to do so in the penalties. I saved two and could have saved a third.

ALSO READ-Sudjir Saxena to represent India in Asian Kickboxing Championship

Previous Story

Former UK Chancellor Kwasi admits he got carried away

Next Story

Cold, fuel shortage grip Syria amid US-led sanctions

Latest from Europe

UK and Ukraine deepen community ties  

 Thousands of school children across the UK and Ukraine have applied to take part in a landmark 100 Year Partnership programme between the two countries   Thousands of school children across the

Trump unhappy with deadly strikes on Kyiv 

The president said he is “putting a lot of pressure” on both sides to end the war in Ukraine, following the deadliest attacks Kyiv has seen since last July  President Donald Trump

Macron: ‘We Stand with India’

Macron said that France will stand together with its allies and would continue the fight against terrorism wherever necessary….reports Asian Lite News French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday spoke to Prime Minister
Go toTop

Don't Miss

King Salman declares holiday to celebrate victory

Following the team’s shock win, Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard

Japan, Spain advance as Germany knocked out of FIFA World Cup 2022

Spain on the other hand started with 7-0 drubbing of