Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals after a gripping penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands, with Lionel Messi starring in the win. After making it 2-2 after extra time, Lionel Scaloni’s men defeated the Dutch in the shootout.
A wonderful Messi pass set up Nahuel Molina for the opener, before the Paris Saint-Germain forward scored from the spot to put his side two goals in front. However, an astonishing substitute performance by Wout Weghorst saved the Oranje, as he scored a brace to draw the scores level. Argentina ran out winners in the shootout, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making two brilliant saves.
So, here’s our Argentina player ratings against the Netherlands after their action-packed success.
Argentina (3-5-2):
Emiliano Martinez – 8
Quick off his line when needed and also claimed the ball well too. Became the penalty hero when he made a brilliant save that kept out a Virgil van Dijk penalty to begin the shootout. Also denied Steven Berghuis with an strong save to keep out the second.
Cristian Romero – 7
Booked at the end of the first forty five for a handball but was subbed off before the Netherlands’ goals went in. Was solid at the back and made a number of clearances, also winning his duels.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6.5
Was a little rash as expected but put in some good challenges and defensive headers.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Didn’t see much of the action for the most part but was never really troubled too much when called upon.
Nahuel Molina – 7.5
Put Argentina in front after making an excellent run in behind the Dutch defense, displaying an excellent first touch and finishing superbly. However, Messi still grabs the headlines due to the quality of the pass that found Molina.
Rodrigo de Paul – 6.5
A little sloppy in possession but wasn’t bad in the midfield battle. Subbed off for Leandro Paredes with a little over 20 minutes to go.
Enzo Fernandez – 7.5
Came to life in the additional 30 minutes, also striking the post with a superb long range strike. Missed his penalty, missing wide past the left post but didn’t end up being costly for La Albiceleste.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Linked up well with Messi and was interchanging roles fluidly with the main man. Had a great chance to play Rodrigo de Paul in on goal just before the hour mark but his pass was too heavily weighted.
Marcos Acuna – 7.5
Pushed up high to try and pin back Denzel Dumfries and limit the Inter defender’s offensive impact. Up and down the left flank frequently, battled hard, making a few tackles. Got the better over Dumfries overall, also drawing a foul in the box for the penalty in the second half.
Julian Alvarez – 5
Hardly involved throughout here, having the least number of touches out of any outfielder who started the game for Argentina.
Lionel Messi – 9
Slid Nahuel Molina in with an exquisite through ball in the lead up to the opening goal, displaying excellent vision to pick out his man. Dropped into pockets of space, causing havoc for the Netherlands defense with his short bursts of pace. Came close to doubling the lead with a close free kick in the second half but eventually did so when he converted expertly from the spot. Went quiet later on but still put in a fine performance here and also scored his penalty.
Substitutions
Leandro Paredes – 6.5
Looked solid when introduced and kept possession well.
Nicolas Tagliafico – N/A
German Pezzella – 4
Gave away a costly free kick right at the death of injury time which led to the Netherlands’ equalizer. Also booked for a poor tackle in extra time.
Lautaro Martinez – 7
Received the ball in the box after a lovely bit of play by Enzo Fernandez but his shot was saved by Van Dijk. Also forced a save by Andries Noppert extremely late on with a fierce effort. Scored the winning penalty to put Argentina into the semi-final.