By Toju Sote
The Albiceleste of Argentina edged out Oranje of the Netherlands to reach the semi final stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties at the Lusail Stadium after the match ended 2-2.
Argentina captain, Lionel Messi who was adjudged the man of the match gave a sublime assist to Nahuel Molina Nutmegging Nathan Ake with the pass before Molina put it past the Dutch goalkeeper.
Messi scored his fourth goal of Qatar 2022 from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
Netherlands substitute Wout Werghost scored a header to pull one back for his team in the 83rd minute.
What followed was frenetic last few minutes of the game with various fouls and yellow cards shown.
It was Werghost who scored again to give Oranje an unexpected but anticipated equaliser in the 101st minute from an ingenious free kick routine.
After extra time the game went to penalties with Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saving two spot kicks and Argentina scoring four from the spot to zoom into the semis.
Argentina play Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday December 13 at the Lusail Stadium.
