Argentina faced off against the Netherlands at the Lusail Iconic Stadium earlier today as they hoped to secure a win in the quarterfinal stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine players made a bright start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 35th minute courtesy of Nahuel Molina’s goal from close range. Lionel Scaloni’s men went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
Lionel Messi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. However, the Dutch players responded positively with two quick-fire goals from Wout Weghorst as the contest finished 2-2 at the full-time whistle.
Both sides canceled each other out in extra time as the match went to penalties. Argentina ended up securing a dramatic 4-3 win via penalties which kept their World Cup dreams alive.
Let’s take a look at how each Argentina player fared during the match against the Netherlands.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 7.5/10
The Argentine keeper made some excellent saves in the shootout to win the game for his country.
RB: Nahuel Molina – 7/10
Molina worked hard defensively and scored a good goal in the first half.
CB: Cristian Romero – 6.5/10
Romero cleared the danger when needed and was solid at the back during his time on the pitch.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi – 6.5/10
The veteran defender didn’t do much wrong when defending inside his half. He was strong in the air as well.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – 6/10
Martinez worked hard on the defensive end of the field but failed to keep the Dutch attackers quiet late in the game.
LB: Marcos Acuna – 7.5/10
He did his fair share of defending and made two good runs going forward.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul – 7/10
De Paul made a positive impact at both ends of the field but got replaced in the 65th minute.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
He was quiet for most of the game. However, Fernandez was unfortunate to hit the crossbar in the dying embers of extra time and missed his penalty in the shootout.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5/10
He worked hard but struggled to get into the flow of the game at times.
ST: Lionel Messi – 9/10
Messi was a constant menace in the final third. He scored a goal and picked up an assist during the game and even managed to convert his penalty calmly in the shootout.
ST: Julian Alvarez – 6.5/10
He was quiet for most of the game and was replaced in the 81st minute.
Substitutes:
CM: Leandro Paredes – 7/10
He added more energy to Lionel Scaloni’s midfield and scored his penalty.
CB: German Pezzela – 6/10
Pezzela kept things solid at the back in extra time.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10
He struggled to get into the rhythm of the game.
ST: Lautaro Martinez – 7/10
Martinez scored the winning penalty in the shootout.
RB: Gonzalo Montiel – 6.5/10
He made one key chance in the final third.
CAM: Angel Di Maria – 6.5/10
Di Maria added some creativity to Argentina’s attack.
