Qatar 2022: Emiliano Martinez the hero as Argentina beat Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to qualify for semi-finals

Lionel Messi’s dream of winning the World Cup is kept alive after Argentina defeated Netherlands 5-4 on penalties this Friday, thanks to the two penalty saves by Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina had gone 2-0 up thanks to goals scored by Nahuiel Molina and Lionel Messi from the spot in the 34th and 72nd minutes respectively, only for the dutch subtitute, Weghorst to shock the Argentine with 2 goals in the 82nd and during the 10 minute added time.

Messi-led Argentina then went 2-0 up in the penalty shootouts after the Aston Villa shot-stopper saved the Netherlands’ first two penalties, one from Virgil Van Djik and the second from Berghuis, and then, Enzo Fernandez missed, threatening yet another twist.

However, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive penalty to set up a semi-final clash with Croatia who had earlier sent the Brazilians packing from the tournament.