Argentina eliminated the Netherlands on penalties at the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
Lionel Messi set up the opening goal and scored from the penalty spot but Argentina was forced to play extra time and penalties after conceding two answered Dutch goals. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez blocked two penalties and Lautaro Martinez scored the winning spot kick to take the shootout 4-3 and send the Dutch packing.
The Argentines will take on Croatia, who stunned Brazil on penalties earlier on Friday, in the semifinals on Dec. 12.
With Brazil knocked out, Argentina is now the only South American nation remaining in the tournament. Morocco, who will play Portugal on Saturday, is the only other non-European nation at the World Cup.
The Argentines drew first blood with yet another display of talent from Messi in the 35th minute. The superstar pierced the Dutch back line with a hard, precise pass towards Nahuel Molina inside the box. The Atletico de Madrid fullback completed the action by netting his second goal with the Albiceleste.
Argentina was awarded a penalty in the 71st minute when Denzel Dumfries took down Nahuel Molina at the edge of the box. Messi stepped up to the spot and gave his country a two-goal advantage.
The Dutch got a goal back in the 84th minute with their first shot on target of the game. Steven Berghuis sent a free kick ball inside the box for Wout Werghorst, who headed the ball in the back of the net.
The Netherlands stunned the world and tied the game on a free kick placed just atop the semi-circle 11 minutes into stoppage time. Teun Koopmeiners opted for a short pass to Werghorst instead of a direct shot. The striker took hold of the ball as Argentina scrambled and tapped in the equalizer to force extra time moments before the whistle.
After a scoreless extra time, Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied Virgil Van Dijk and Berghuis on the first two penalties of the shootout. Lautaro Martinez drilled the final penalty to send Argentina to the semifinals.
