From Leandro Paredes’ reckless mind fade that sparked a bench-clearing stoush to Lionel Messi’s heated alternate with the Dutch coach, Saturday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Netherlands was as dramatic because it comes.
And that’s solely what was taking place off the sector, with a last-gasp equaliser sending the sport to additional time in an indication of the chaos to return.
But if there was one photograph that summed up the animosity between the 2 groups, it was one which was captured after Lautaro Martinez’s winner within the penalty shootout.
Some Netherlands gamers fell to the bottom, tears of their eyes as they buried their faces within the area, whereas their rivals raced previous — jubilant, jovial, gloating.
‘OUTRAGEOUS’: Argentina, Messi survive late Dutch drama in ‘all-time traditional’
Argentina gamers have a good time after their win within the penalty shootout as Netherlands gamers fall to the bottom. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal mentioned his staff’s loss to Argentina on penalties was “extremely painful”.
“We failed to attain the primary two penalties in order that’s when issues turn out to be actually arduous and difficult. It is a matter of being fortunate, a lottery,” mentioned Van Gaal.
The 71-year-old was additionally coach of the Netherlands after they had been crushed on penalties by Argentina within the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
“This is the second time we misplaced to Argentina this manner. Two World Cups with the identical coach for the Netherlands,” he mentioned.
“I requested the gamers to coach and to practise penalties, so I’ve nothing to reproach them for. To come again and equalise… to lose on penalties is unlucky.”
Van Gaal returned for a 3rd spell in cost in August 2021 after present process remedy for aggressive prostate most cancers.
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The Oranje are unbeaten in 20 video games underneath Van Gaal, together with Saturday’s match, however he confirmed he could be stepping down from the job as deliberate.
“The boys are feeling despondent. They gave all the pieces and I’m extremely proud. I had a beautiful time,” he mentioned.
“It is extremely painful to see how we’ve been eradicated as a result of I did all the pieces I may to stop this.”
NEYMAR DROPS HINT ON INTERNATIONAL FUTURE
Brazil star Neymar hinted he would possibly give up worldwide soccer, saying he couldn’t “100%” assure he would play for the nationwide staff once more.
Speaking after his aspect’s World Cup quarter-final defeat in Qatar, the Paris Saint-Germain famous person urged he may step away.
“I’m not closing any doorways on the nationwide staff however I’m additionally not guaranteeing 100% that I’ll return,” mentioned an emotional Neymar, 30.
“I must assume a bit extra about this, about what’s the proper factor for me and for the nationwide staff.” Neymar equalled Pele’s report tally of 77 targets for Brazil with an excellent strike on Friday however Bruno Petkovic levelled with minutes remaining.
Argentina overcome scare vs Netherlands | 02:08
The Brazilian didn’t take a penalty within the shootout. Rodrygo’s effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos hit the publish, whereas Croatia scored all 4 of their efforts to win the shootout 4-2.
Four years in the past in Russia Neymar and Brazil suffered elimination on the identical stage by the hands of Belgium.
In 2014 the Selecao had been humiliated 7-1 within the semi-finals by Germany with out Neymar, who missed the sport with an harm.
“It is an terrible feeling, I feel it is a worse feeling than what occurred on the final World Cup,” mentioned Neymar. “It is tough to search out the phrases to explain this second.
“We fought and I’m happy with my teammates, happy with the character they confirmed to step up and take penalties.” Brazil coach Tite confirmed he was stepping down after the match. “It is a painful defeat however I am going in peace,” he mentioned. “It is the tip of a cycle.”
ARGENTINA HERO FIRES BACK AT REF’S ‘ARROGANT’ JAB
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez mentioned “ardour and coronary heart” propelled his aspect into the World Cup semi-finals — whereas delivering a transparent message to referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
Martinez was one of many heroes of the quarter-final, saving the Netherlands’ first two spot kicks within the penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 following additional time.
Argentina received the shootout 4-3 to maneuver right into a semi-final in opposition to Croatia, the shock victors in opposition to Brazil.
Emiliano Martinez of Argentina celebrates after the win. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“We are within the semi-final as a result of we now have ardour and coronary heart. We are excited, similar to the folks,” Martinez mentioned.
“The very first thing that involves thoughts is emotion. I do that for 45 million folks,” he added. “The nation will not be having an excellent time on account of financial points and giving pleasure to folks is probably the most satisfying factor at the moment.”
He criticised Spanish referee Lahoz, calling him “loopy and smug”.
“You say one thing to him and he speaks badly to you, he offers 10 minutes (of harm time) and offers all of the free kicks to the Netherlands,” Martinez mentioned.
“Because Spain had been eradicated, he wished us to be knocked out too,” he added. Spain went out to Morocco within the final 16.
