First a magical Messi, then the double Weghorst, in the end Messi cheers. After more than 120 minutes plus penalties, Argentina won a spectacular World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. Argentina and Croatia are playing for a place in the final.
Louis van Gaal got German support before the game in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday (December 9th, 2022) against Argentina. The Dutch Bond coach asked Bastian Schweinsteiger, who had already seen two “Albiceleste” games in the stadium, for advice – the sports show expert had previously helped him before the round of 16 against the USA (3-1).
Scaloni strengthens the defense for Messi
“He knows that I’ve seen the USA live more often, or Argentina now. Of course, he also asked me what my opinion was or he asked me for tips. I gave it to him. Let’s see how the game turns out. If it’s good, that’s it“said Schweinsteiger.
One of his tips was to take advantage of Lionel Messi’s lack of defensive work. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni apparently suspected that, compared to the previous games, took an offensive player from the starting XI, which meant that eight Argentinians should have the superstar’s back free. Accordingly, the two teams neutralized each other in the early stages, and there were no chances in the first 34 minutes.
The passport of an exceptional artist
But then came the brilliant moment from one of the greatest soccer players in history. Messi got the ball deep in midfield and played a fabulous pass to Nahuel Molina, who scored with a toe to make it 1-0 for Argentina (35′). It was the only highlight of an intense, but otherwise quite tough game – but one that had it all.
Messi wasn’t just doing something to fulfill his dream of winning his first World Cup. It was his 24th appearance and it was also clear to him before the game that he would draw level with record player Lothar Matthäus (25 World Cup games) if he reached the semi-finals, and even become the sole number one at World Cups in a final.
Argentine defense insurmountable
Argentina, already tactically quite defensive, then expanded their bulwark. The back row around veteran star Nicolas Otamendi is one of the least penetrable defenses in this tournament – the Dutch also found that out on Friday. They had the ball, tried to work their way towards the goal, but kept failing early on.
When things got dangerous, which was quite rare, it was after Argentinian attacks – starring Messi. In the 63rd minute, the 35-year-old put a free kick from 20 meters onto the goal net. After great dribbling, he got this standard situation out himself and was fouled by Virgil van Dijk.
Messi draws level with Batistuta
Messi’s next attempt ended up in goal. Penalties were awarded after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna and Messi scored his third penalty of the tournament for the second time, making it 2-0 for Argentina (73′). It was his sixth goal involvement at the tournament (four goals, two assists). Only Kylian Mbappé (seven points scorer) has been more successful so far.
It was Messi’s tenth goal in total in his fifth appearance at the World Cup, which means that he is now at the top of internal statistics. Like him, Gabrial Batistuta has scored ten times in world tournaments, making him the most successful Argentine in history – with Messi’s goal suggesting he has a chance to up the ante at least in the semi-finals. The South Americans looked like the sure winner.
The Netherlands comes close – and equalizes brilliantly
For a long time there was nothing offensive from the Netherlands. Then Louis van Gaal, who was replaced as Bonds coach by Ronald Koeman after the tournament, managed the decisive trick. With Luuk de Jong and Wout Weghorst, the 71-year-old then brought two tall former Bundesliga strikers into the game, relied heavily on high balls – and was successful with it.
Weghorst scored the goal after a cross from Steven Berghuis and gave his team hope again (83′). And in the eleventh minute of added time, the former Wolfsburg player was celebrating again. After an ingenious free-kick variant, Weghorst pushed the ball over the line with his pike and saved his team into overtime.
Argentina are inches away from victory after extra time
In addition to the spectacular turn of the Netherlands, an extremely heated game had developed in the final phase. Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz showed a total of 13 yellow cards up to the start of extra time. The excitement subsided a little. Argentina got back into the game, but both teams didn’t create any great chances in the first 15 minutes.
In the second half of extra time, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez was on the verge of winning. Van Dijk blocked his attempt before the line (114th). Shortly thereafter, a deflected long-range shot by Enzo Fernandez landed on the goal net (115′). In the 119th minute, Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert had to parry a Martinez attempt, and Elftal were very lucky shortly afterwards when Fernandez smashed the post (120+1). As with the three overtime periods previously in this tournament, this time it also went to penalties.
Martinez becomes a hero
Things got off to a bad start for the Netherlands. Van Dijk was denied by Emiliano Martinez, Messi then played cool for Argentina. Martinez made the preliminary decision with his second save against Berghuis, because Leandro Paredes shot in to make it 2-0. The next three shooters scored – then Fernandez shot wide and missed the first match point. Luuk de Jong then equalized, putting pressure on Martinez, who had the semifinals in his sights for Argentina. The striker scored – the rest was Argentine bliss.