In a game where tempers flared far too often, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez proved to be the hero as his twin saves during the penalty shootout saw Argentina reach the last four at the expense of the Netherlands.
It was all started by their talisman Lionel Messi, who produced a world-class assist to set up Nahuel Molina in the 35th minute. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner then became Argentina’s joint top-scorer at World Cups, going level with Gabriel Batistuta on 10 goals when he converted from the penalty spot in the second half.
At 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left for the final whistle, the game looked done and dusted. But Super-sub Wout Weghorst produced a brilliant header in the 83rd minute to give the Dutch a semblance of hope.
Drama ensued when he levelled the score with the final play of the 10-minute-long stoppage time, forcing the game into the extra 30 minutes.
With both sides unable to add to their scores, it was all down to the spotkicks, where the first two Dutch penalties were saved by Emi Martinez in stunning fashion. From there, Argentina kept their nerves and eventually won the shootout 4-3 to set up a semi-final date with Luka Modric’s Croatia.