Emi Martinez saved two penatlies as Argentina made it to the semi-finals
(Picture: Getty Images)Argentina are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup and will face Croatia after beating the Netherlands on penalties.
In an enthralling game, Argentina had looked on course to go through in normal time as they were 2-0 up with seven minutes to go.
Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi had found the net to put them in control, but the Dutch fought back thanks to two late goals from Wout Weghorst.
Neither team from the net in the extra-time and so the game went to penalties. Emi Martinez was the hero for Argentina, saving two penalties as they setup a showdown with Croatia on Tuesday.
Simon Collings was at the Lusail Stadium to see Argentina in action...
Emi Martinez 8
For nearly 80 minutes he didn’t have anything to do as the Argentina defence was solid. Then conceded two goals, but redeemed himself with penalty shootout heroics. Saved two spot-kicks.
Cristian Romero 7
Looked solid all night, typically throwing himself into tackles and trying to assert his dominance. Only error was a stupid yellow card for handball. Argentina didn’t concede until he went off.
Nicolas Otamendi 5
Was having a composed performance in the middle of Argentina’s back-three, but then lost his way late on. Gave away a needless free-kick for the Dutch equaliser.
Lisandro Martinez 6
Seemed to relish the physical battle as the Netherlands tried to swing plenty of crosses into the box. Was doing well, until Weghorst beat him to a header to score.
Nahuel Molina 8
Impressed at right wing-back, where he got forward as much as he could to support Argentina’s attack. Opened the scoring and took the goal really well.
Rodrigo De Paul 6
As ever he was industrious and put himself about, but lacked quality in the final third. Missed a good chance in the first-half and one in the second too.
Enzo Fernandez 7
He has made a huge difference to this Argentina team since being brought into the side. Sat in front of the defence and broke up play, while ticking things over in possession too. Hit the post in extra-time.
Alexis Mac Allister 6
Solid in possession and kept the ball very well for most of the night. Blew one good chance, though, when he overhit a pass that would have put De Paul in on goal.
Marcos Acuna 8
Was up against the physical and fast Denzel Dumfries, but got the better of him both offensively and defensively. Won the penalty for Argentina when Dumfries fouled him.
Lionel Messi 9 | Star player
Another incredible performance from the Argentina captain. Setup his side’s goal with a ridiculous assist and was comfortably the best player on the pitch. Slotted a penalty to seal the win.
Julian Alvarez 6
After impressing so far at this World Cup, the Manchester City striker had a pretty quiet game. Didn’t have any clear-cut chances. Worked hard without the ball, though.
Substitutions
Leandro Paredes (De Paul 66’) 5
Brought on to freshen up the Argentina midfield and was nearly sent off. Hacked down Nathan Ake and then punted the ball at the Dutch bench.
Nicolas Tagliafico (Acuna 78’) 6
Probably the pick of the subs, but that is not anything to shout about.
German Pezzella (Romero 78’) 5
On in the heart of defence but brought chaos instead of calm.
Lautaro Martinez (Alvarez 82’) 7
Came on and was sharp, going close in extra-time on two occasions.
Gonzalo Montiel (Molina 115’) N/A
Angel Di Maria (Martinez 112’) N/A
