World Cup 2022: Messi the master as Argentina beat Netherlands in chaotic Qatar classic

Key Facts

And it was sharpened before the game when the songs that have provided the soundtrack to Argentina's World Cup campaign filled the surroundings of this futuristic arena as Brazil, those bitter historic rivals, went out on penalties to Croatia.
- Argentina beat Netherlands in penalty shootout Fifa World Cup: Schedule and route to the final World Cup TV coverage guide If Argentina's players and fans celebrated twice, they also effectively had to win this quarter-final twice, squandering a 2-0 lead in the 11th minute of stoppage time before prevailing 4-3 on penalties to meet the World Cup's very own mentality monsters of Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday.
It came as a huge shock to Argentina's system after 35-year-old Messi, in what is surely his last World Cup, looked to be inspiring them into the semi-finals with something to spare after brilliantly creating Nahuel Molina's opener before the break, then making it 2-0 from the spot in the 73rd minute.
Argentina's celebrations were a mixture of relief, pure elation and the increasing sense - especially after Brazil's demise - that this really could be their World Cup, although they under-estimate Croatia at their peril.