December 10, 2022
2 mins read

Martinez keeps Messi’s World Cup dreams alive

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties to help Argentina beat the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final penalty shootout and set up a semi-final against Croatia.

On Friday at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the Dutch came back strongly from two goals down to level the scores at the death and take the game into extra time but fell short in the penalty shootout.

The late fightback meant that Lionel Messi’s magic, of setting up a goal and then scoring a goal from the spot kick almost meant nothing as Argentina squandered a two-goal lead at the death.

Messi now tied Gabriel Batistuta on an Argentinian record 10 goals at the World Cup and can gain sole possession of the record in the semi-final and the final or third-place game as he aims to win the biggest prize in football in his fifth appearance at the World Cup.

(Credit Twitter@FIFAWorldCup)

Messi fed Nahuel Molina with a sensational pass to score in the 35th, and then calmly converted a 73th-minute penalty as Argentina seemed well on course with a 2-0.

But substitute Wout Weghorst headed the Dutch back into the game in the 83rd and then forced extra time 11 minutes into stoppage time in an extraordinary free-kick trick play, scoring with the final kick of the game.

With the 30 minutes of extra time failing to break the 2-2 deadlock, it was left to the penalty shootout to decide the winner in the second quarter-final of the day.

Martinez was the shoot-out hero saving the first two Dutch penalties from captain Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, while Lautaro Martinez clinched the matter for Argentina.

Messi will claim the overall World Cup match record if he plays in the remaining two games. He played his 24th match on Friday, with record holder Lothar Matth�us of Germany one ahead on 25 matches.

Netherlands keeper Andries Noppert in action during the match against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022, at Lusail Stadium, in Qatar on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

The Copa America champions next meet Croatia on Tuesday after the 2018 runners-up shocked record five-time winners Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock in 120 minutes.

The Dutch failed to reach the last four for the third time in four editions and suffered a shoot-out loss to Argentina just as in the 2014 semi-finals.

Messi leads the celebrations for La Albiceleste as they pulled away to win the thriller.

In the last two quarter-finals on Saturday, Ronaldo’s Portugal meet Morocco in the first match, while England meet France in the second match of the day.

Previous Story

Ex-cop sentenced for manslaughter in George Floyd murder case

Next Story

India abstains from vote on resolution exempting aid from sanctions

Latest from -Top News

Modi Eyes Trade Deals in Maldives

PM Modi will arrive in Maldives on July 25 which would be the second and final leg of his two-nation visit, following the visit to the United Kingdom, starting Wednesday….reports Asian Lite

Russia Strikes Back at EU

The Council of the European Union approved the 17th and 18th packages of sanctions on Russia on May 20 and July 18…reports Asian Lite News Russia has significantly expanded its entry ban

PM Modi Due in UK

PM Modi’s visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23–24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country….reports Asian Lite News Prime

Victory First, Then Peace?

Katz stressed the importance of meeting the war’s goals as set, primarily the return of all Israeli hostages and the surrender of Hamas….reports Asian Lite News Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said

US Brings Up Old Claim, India Pushes Back

US Raises Trump’s India-Pakistan Claim at UN; India Reaffirms Bilateral Stand…reports Asian Lite News The US brought President Trump’s May claim of resolving the India-Pakistan conflict to the Security Council, but New
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Saudi Arabia shocks Messi’s Argentina with 2-1 win

The Argentines also had three goals ruled out for offside

Argentina more than Messi, Brazil more than Neymar

Argentina have also seen good displays from midfielder Enzo Fernandez