Qatar 2022: Messi Keeps World Cup Dream Alive
- As Argentina qualify for Semi-final beating Netherlands 4-2 on penalties
- To play Croatia in Semi-final on TuesdayÂ
The heroics of Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez in the penalty shootouts was all that Argentina needed to keep alive Lionel Messi’s dream of finally winning the ongoing Qatar 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.
On a night that the South American giants squandered a two-goal lead to end proceedings at 2-2 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time play, Martinez who made two important saves as the Argentines prevailed 4-3 in the shootouts
The victory came as a huge relief for their Captain fantastic, Messi as his dream of finally lifting the World Cup with Argentina remains alive with Holland going home after their pulsating quarterfinal clash on Friday, December 9.
In surrendering a 2-0 lead on the dot of 90 minutes and the 10 added minutes of injury time through a well taken free kick, the encounter went to 30 minutes extra time before the South American champions were able to stop the Orange Boys handled by Coach Louis Van Gaal.
The Argentines will now play Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday with the hope making it to the finals.
The Croatians also defeated one of the pre-tournament favourites, Brazil on penalties to gain their last four berth on Friday night.
