Argentina has secured a spot in the World Cup semifinals after winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout with the Netherlands. This comes after the teams were tied at 2-2 following 120 minutes of play.
Lionel Messi provided a through ball to defender Nahuel Molina to hand Argentina the lead going into halftime. The Argentinians received an opportunity to extend their lead when Acuna was brought down on the edge of the box, with Messi successfully converting the penalty that followed.
The Dutch reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute when substitute Wout Weghorst headed the ball into the net less than five minutes after coming on. With 10 minutes of stoppage time added at the end of the match, the Netherlands drew level in the most dramatic of fashions, as Teun Koopmeiners took a free kick, deciding to pass the ball to Weghorst who scored his second and took the game into extra time.
Although the Argentinians fired a barrage of shots at the Dutch goal throughout extra time, it took a penalty shootout for Argentina to book its spot in the semifinals, where they will face Croatia, who similarly defeated Brazil on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
