Netherlands 2-2 (3-4 on pens) Argentina
In the end, it came down to one solitary penalty kick.
That was literally all that separated Netherlands and Argentina in this pulsating World Cup 2022 quarter-final.
For so long, it looked like Lionel Messi had inspired the South American champions into the last four with a bit to spare.
Then the Dutch, not a vintage Oranje, but always a threat when managed by the legendary Louis van Gaal, hit back with two late goals – the equaliser arriving in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
It was chaos, it was intense, and it was fractious as 16 yellow cards were issued to players and assistant managers.
And ultimately, it was Argentina who prevailed in what will be remembered as a quarter-final for the ages.
Highlights of the game
It all started with captain Messi, seemingly on a mission to win the one elite trophy that has always eluded his grasp.
First, he produced a mesmeric first-half assist which allowed Nahuel Molina to convert a beautiful 35th-minute opener.
Then the he notched a nonchalant second-half penalty for his 10th World Cup goal, equalling the great Gabriel Batistuta’s record for his country.
At this point the embarrassing opening defeat to Saudi Arabia two and a half weeks ago seemed light years away.
Yet the World Cup 2022 highlights were just beginning.
Louis van Gaal, in likely his final game of a truly impressive managerial career, switched things around, including the introduction of Wout Weghorst who led a fine comeback by scoring twice.
Within five minutes he had headed home a Steven Berghuis cross and then, in the 100th minute and with seconds of second-half stoppage time left to play, two of Argentina’s substitutes – German Pezzella and Leandro Paredes – sandwiched Weghorst on the edge of the box.
Teun Koopmeiners, also a late substitute, shaped to shoot from the subsequent free-kick but instead cannoned the ball into the feet of Weghorst, who rolled his marker and promptly prodded the ball into the far corner.
Those clad in blue and white, both on the pitch and in the stands, were stunned. This was a contest they had been in control of before van Gaal inspired a turnaround which also turned the SBOTOP World Cup 2022 betting odds on their head.
Extra-time came and went, Argentina went within inches of winning as they hit the post and tensions rose.
In the shootout, it was one of the stars of their Copa America success last summer, Emiliano Martinez, who again proved the hero as he saved two penalties in the.
The reaction of some Argentines was unsavoury and unnecessary.
As Messi rushed from halfway to mob both Lautaro and Emiliano Martínez, six of his teammates had other priorities, namely yelling towards the floored Netherlands players.
Nicolas Otamendi swivelled towards them and cupped his ears. Leandro Paredes and Gonzalo Montiel – both of whom scored in the shootout – as well as Alexis Mac Allister, equally seemed more interested in rubbing in the agony of defeat rather than celebrating the elation of victory.
After their arch rivals Brazil had surprisingly exited a few hours earlier, they knew their path to the final, in theory, was slightly more straightforward and this was a crucial obstacle overcome.
Once again, the World Cup had delivered like very little other events can –intensifying commitment, drama, heartache, and joy.
The final word for me goes to a 71-year-old who can leave his post with his head held high, as can his team, after they showed resilience and character to overcome Argentina’s supremacy.
That was until, the lottery of spot-kicks.
Key statistics
Argentina have won the most penalty shootouts of any side in World Cup history (five wins from six), while only Spain (four) have lost more penalty shootouts at the World Cup than Netherlands (one win from four).
Weghorst has become the first ever substitute to score twice in a World Cup match for Netherlands. His equaliser was timed at 100:30 – the latest second half goal in a World Cup knockout stage game since exact goal times were recorded (since 1966).
Messi has scored 790 goals in 1,001 official games for club and country in all competitions.
Excluding penalties, van Gaal is unbeaten since returning as Dutch coach in September 2021 — earning 14 wins and six draws from 20 games.
Although Holland have not been beaten in normal or extra-time in their last seven matches against Argentina in all competitions, this was the second time in three World Cups they have lost to them in a shoot-out.
What’s next?
It’s Croatia v Argentina on Tuesday night (December 13) with a place in the 2022 World Cup Final up for grabs.
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