Messi’s Argentina Taunt Netherlands After Winning World Cup 2022 Tie

• Nicolas Otamendi led Argentina players in taunting the Netherlands after they won a tense penalty shootout
• Argentina had to do it the hard way after seeing their 2-0 lead erased in the dying minutes of the game
• The game wasn't short of flaring moments with a total of 14 yellow cards being dished out

Argentina players savagely mocked their Netherlands counterparts after winning a tempestuous World Cup tie at the Lusail Stadium.

The match-up was far from a flowing game with tackles, yellow cards and constant breaks in play punctuating the game.

Argentina had raced to a 2-0 lead only for Wout Weghorst to come off the bench and score a quickfire brace and force the game into post-match penalties.

The game had earlier witnessed an ugly scene when Leandro Paredes booted the ball towards the technical area of the Dutch. Both sides jumped onto the pitch with the centre referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz having a hard time controlling the situation.

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The Netherlands missed two of their spot-kicks leaving Lautaro Martinez with the decisive penalty. Score and Argentina qualify. Miss and the wait goes on. Martinez was ruffled by some Dutch players on his way to take the penalty.

Calm Lautaro Martinez

The Inter Milan striker, who has had a difficult tournament, cooly slotted his spot-kick past Andries Noppert to send Argentina through.

The Albiceleste players on the halfway line responded by goading the Dutch players on their way to celebrate with both Martinez's.

Defender Nicolas Otamendi capped his ears into his hands as if to ask them 'what were you saying?' There was another incident afterwards that saw Denzel Dumfries receive two yellow cards in quick succession.

Argentina will now face Croatia in the first semifinal as Messi's dream of winning the World Cup continues.

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Messi slams Van Gaal

Sports Brief has also reported that Lionel Messi was incensed with Netherlands Head Coach Louis Van Gaal after a highly-tempered World Cup quarterfinal match.

Argentina beat the Netherlands on post-match penalties to set up a semifinal date with Croatia but the game was marred by ugly confrontations.

Nahuel Molina and Messi had put Argentina on their way with a goal in each half only for Wout Weghorst to score a late brace to restore parity. Argentina's goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved two spot-kicks to help his side go through.