Argentina is into the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties in a quarter-final clash at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.
Nothing separated the two teams after extra time ended at 2-2. Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi were among the goals for Argentina, while Wout Weghorst netted a brace for the Netherlands.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved spot kicks from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis during the penalty shootout, securing Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
Lionel Messi targets Louis van Gaal and Wout Weghorst
Argentina captain Lionel Messi launched an attack on Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and attacker Wout Weghorst after their 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal victory.
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Lionel Messi was giving a post-match interview to Tyc Sports (via Sportskeeda) when he confronted Wout Weghorst saying: “What are you looking at, you fool? Go away, “. Messi also said that he did not feel respected by the opposition coach, Louis van Gaal.
He took a dig at the Dutch coach, saying: “I don’t prefer to talk before games. Since he comes into the game he has been taunting us, bumping into us and saying things to us. It seems that this is not part of football. I always respect everyone and I like that they respect me too. The Netherlands coach disrespected us. We suffered too unfairly.”
Lionel Messi also criticized the Netherlands’ style of play, saying that “Van Gaal sells that he plays football and then he puts in tall people and started hitting balls.”
Messi is likely to play in his last FIFA World Cup. He will look to end his illustrious career with the FIFA World Cup trophy. Messi won the Man of the Match award for his performances against the Netherlands.
Argentina will face Croatia in the semifinals at Lusail Stadium on December 14. Croatia secured their place in the quarterfinals by knocking out Brazil on penalties in a quarterfinal clash at Education City Stadium on Friday.
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When is the next 2022 FIFA World Cup match?
The quarterfinal tie between Portugal and Morocco will take place at the Al Thumama Stadium on December 10. Meanwhile, defending champions France will take on England at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 11 to secure their place in the semi-finals. .
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