Argentina beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the early hours of Saturday after a dramatic 2-2 draw to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst scored two late goals, including a stoppage-time leveller, after Argentina had led 2-0 through Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi’s penalty.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was Argentina’s hero in the shootout, saving two spot-kicks as they won 4-3 on penalties.
Martinez said “passion and heart” propelled his side into the World Cup semifinals – and he was delighted to bring joy to his struggling country.
Martinez was one of the heroes of the quarterfinal, saving the Netherlands’ first two spot kicks in the penalty shootout.
“We are in the semi-final because we have passion and heart. We are excited, just like the people,” Martinez said.
“The first thing that comes to mind is emotion. I do this for 45 million people,” he added. “The country is not having a good time due to economic issues and giving joy to people is the most satisfying thing at this time.”
(with AFP inputs)
Reactions to Argentina’s win here:
🇦🇷❤️ Another game closer...
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 9, 2022
#Qatar2022
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) December 9, 2022
🔥🙌 Siiiiiiiiiii, ¡SOMOS SEMIFINALISTAS! 🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/YhlLL5GGBV
#FifaWorldCup #Qatar2022 #ARG HAVE WON!
— The Field (@thefield_in) December 9, 2022
In another epic between these two sides at the World Cup, it is Messi and Co who prevail. Emi Martinez with a stunning performance in the shootout.
AET: #ARG 2-2 #NED https://t.co/VPoNfuDVcz pic.twitter.com/dTM8yqRUuD
GRACIAS por esta emoción tan grande!! 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 @Argentina #CopaMundialFIFA #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/eZrF0nqKB8
— Gabriela Sabatini (@sabatinigabyok) December 9, 2022
Bueno gente , estamos en la semifinal . Vamos Argentina carajo y a disfrutar ahora. Te amo 🇦🇷
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) December 9, 2022
What a time to be alive, Messi and Argentina into the semi-finals! Is this their year to win it?? 🐐🌶️ #ARG
— Janine Beckie (@janinebeckie) December 9, 2022
Hoy y siempre juntos banda 💪🏻
— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30) December 9, 2022
Mas fuertes que nunca. 🫡
VAMOS ARGENTINA CARAJO 🇦🇷.
Pasito a pasito pic.twitter.com/UqaPVGSo09
Emi Martinez and Lionel Messi won Copa America together, Messi's first senior trophy with Argentina. Martinez promised Messi he would do everything to win him the World Cup and tonight he was the hero during the penalties. Massive saves ♥️ #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MX4eAyBS3l
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 9, 2022
#Messi is the man for the crucial moments. The passion, this joy - he really wants it. All of Argentina wishes him the #WorldCup title and I'm sure many others do it as well.
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) December 9, 2022
Jijijiji pic.twitter.com/cdMk122COz
— diego schwartzman (@dieschwartzman) December 9, 2022
Lionel Messi's pass for Nahuel Molina to get Argentina's first goal in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against the Dutch should be THE reason for football scoresheets to include assists. It may convince society at large about the importance of team-work & team goals.
— G Rajaraman (@g_rajaraman) December 10, 2022
she loves him pic.twitter.com/O3DB6GNwIE
— Glennon Doyle (@GlennonDoyle) December 9, 2022
VAMOOS VAMOOOS 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) December 9, 2022
TODO UN VERDADERO EQUIPO!!!#Argentina
When I was a kid I heard my dad talk about the nightmare of Argentina. The World Cup back in ‘78. In my time as a footballer, Messi was the dream of every player. Today, I played against the dream that became a nightmare. Congrats to Argentina, but I’m so damn proud of this squad pic.twitter.com/SNOplvLMsy
— Marten de Roon (@Dirono) December 9, 2022
This tournament is heading towards being the greatest ever World Cup. Fantastic to watch #FIFAWorldCup
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 9, 2022
OHMYYYYY this #FIFAWorldCup is absolute bananas!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 9, 2022
Captured 📸 @alanshearer @GaryLineker @pablo_zabaleta 😂😂
🇳🇱 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/T5HgQgvxsl
The joy, the happiness that only football can bring.#Messi #Argentina#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/JRf9vQlbhd
— Sahil Bakshi (@SBakshi13) December 9, 2022
Argentina, Messi & the hope stays alive!
— Zenia D'cunha (@ZENIADCUNHA) December 9, 2022
The celebration should be a collective sigh of relief after that dramatic-ridiculous-extra-time-shootout of a battle
Gotta feel for Netherlands, even more for the brave LvG
But I'm rooting for a different last dance this #FIFAWorldCup