NEW DELHI: Argentina and Lionel Messi kept their World Cup dream alive on a nervy night as they defeated Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to reach the semi-finals on Saturday. Argentina will now face the last edition's runners-up Croatia, who knocked Brazil out of the tournament with a shootout win on Friday, in the last four stage on Wednesday.
The two-time champions were well on course for the semis after taking a 2-0 lead late into the second half, before substitute Wout Weghorst took the game into the extra time by scoring two late goals for the Netherlands. The second Netherlands goal came as late as in the 111th minute. The score remained levelled at 2-2 after the 30 minutes of extra time too, paving way for a dramatic penalty shootout at Lusail stadium.
