Stephen Dunmoye


Argentina has defeated Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 extra time draw to face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero in the shootout after the South Americans let a two-goal lead slip in the final minutes of normal time after Lionel Messi had put them on the brink of the last four.

Wout Weghorst scored two dramatic late goals, the second from a remarkably inventive free-kick in the 11th minute of stoppage time, as the Netherlands fought back with seven minutes of normal time remaining to force extra time.

Van Dijk was up first and Martinez dived to his right to save. Messi followed and made no mistake before Martinez saved again from Berghuis.

This time there was no way back for the Dutch, despite a miss from Fernandez, Argentina held on to win the shoot-out and head into the semi-finals.