Messi Two Steps Away from First World Cup Victory... Argentina Advances to Semifinals

After Penalty Shootout, Defeating Netherlands... Messi Scores 1 Goal and 1 Assist
'Verhoost Multi-Goal' Netherlands Relives Pain from 8 Years Ago

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Argentina secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup by defeating the Netherlands, thanks to the outstanding performance of Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain). On the 10th (Korean time), in the quarterfinal match held at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen, Qatar, the game ended 2-2 after extra time, and Argentina won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) saved the shots from the first and second kickers (Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis) of the opposing team.

With this victory, Argentina will face Croatia, who defeated Brazil in a penalty shootout earlier that day, for a place in the final. Meanwhile, the Netherlands had to pack up, recalling the pain from eight years ago. It was the 2014 Brazil World Cup semifinal match against Argentina. Like this time, they lost in the penalty shootout (2-4), which dashed their hopes of reaching the final.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Argentina was outperformed by the Netherlands in ball possession (39%-46%) and number of passes (597-667), but they found a breakthrough relying on effective defense. Leading the charge was Messi. In the 35th minute of the first half, he orchestrated the opening goal with creative play. He made a precise pass to Nahuel Molina (Atl?tico Madrid), who was breaking into the penalty area from the center. In the 28th minute of the second half, Messi successfully converted a penalty kick, extending the lead to two goals. This was Messi's fourth goal in this tournament and his tenth overall in World Cup history, putting him on par with Gabriel Batistuta, who holds the record for most World Cup goals for Argentina.

As the prospect of defeat loomed, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal made a bold move. He withdrew star forward Memphis Depay (FC Barcelona) and brought on the tall (197 cm) striker Luuk de Jong (Be?ikta?). The plan was to break down the opponent's defense with crosses and aerial strength. De Jong responded to expectations by scoring. In the 38th minute of the second half, he scored a consolation goal with a header in front of the goal. In stoppage time, he scored again with his foot. Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) delivered a low free kick, which De Jong received inside the penalty area and pushed into the net.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Despite De Jong's multi-goal performance, all the spotlight was on 35-year-old Messi. If Argentina defeats Croatia in the semifinal scheduled for the morning of the 14th, Messi will be just one step away from winning his first-ever World Cup. Argentina's last World Cup victory was at the 1986 Mexico tournament, where Diego Maradona shone.