Argentina players 'mocked' the Netherlands squad after beating them in a penalty shoot-out in last night's World Cup quarter-final. The ill-tempered game had already seen a number of bust-ups take place on the pitch, during which a total of 48 fouls were awarded by referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz.
Lahoz also dished out 15 yellow cards overall and the hostility continued even after the Argentine side claimed their 4-2 win, booking Lionel Scaloni's their place in the semis. Some Argentina players were seen to turn towards the dejected Dutch squad and scream loudly in celebration, pumping their fists and even pulling poses.
Nicolas Otamendi cupped his hands behind his ears, Leandro Paredes raised a fist in celebration and Gonzalo Montiel pumped his hands in the air. Alexis Mac Allister, German Pezzella and Angel Di Maria were also involved in the scenes, screaming at the Netherlands players.
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And, according to The Mirror, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand was left speechless by the fiery encounter. The ex-player described the clash as an immediate World Cup classic, capping off an eventful day which also saw Brazil crash out to unlikely victors Croatia.
"Wow, breathtaking. Ups and downs, this is what football is about," he told BBC Sport. "We've had so many feelings in one evening.
"The Argentinians were 2-0 up, cruising and then the shift from the Dutch team goes to penalties and then they’re cruising again. It looks like they’re going to throw the towel in then the tides turns again.
Ferdinand added: "It's beautiful, there's needle out there, off the ball - so many different things that played in this game that added to the spectacle."
Argentina will now face Croatia in the semi-finals on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium. Whether they celebrate in the same way if they are able to win once again remains to be seen.
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