World Cup 2022: Scaloni Hits Back at Critics of Argentina’s Behaviour

• Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has defended his team's behaviour against the Netherlands
• He said that whatever happened in the heated encounter was football and nothing else
• Fourteen players were shown yellow cards as Argentina beat the Dutch 4-3 on penalties

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has defended his team's behaviour against the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup.

The two-time world champions played a fiery and dramatic encounter on Friday, making it one of the most gripping matches in Qatar.

The South American giants were comfortably leading 2-0 and were set to seal their place in the semi-final, before the Dutch stunned them late in the game with a brace from Wout Weghorst to force extra time.

The extra period ended goalless and had to go to penalties to decide the winner. Late goals in regulation were not the story of the game, the Athletic reports.

Qatar 2022: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez speaks following loss to African side Morocco

Football

Players of the two teams were involved in heated exchanges, resulting in a staggering 17 yellow cards from Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. He surprisingly sent off Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries after the game had ended.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez heavily criticised Lahoz for his officiating afterwards.

Scaloni defends his team

The bad-tempered match echoed the infamous Battle of Nuremberg in the 2006 World Cup, where Russian referee Valentin Ivanov showed 4 red cards and 16 yellow cards as Portugal beat the Dutch 1-0.

According to the Guardian, Scaloni defended his team's behaviour, saying it is all part of football.

“In football, sometimes you have to defend, attack and some games, you know, things can happen like the previous game."

Argentina were criticised for being unprofessional, but Scaloni said his players are not dirty.

Last chance for Belgium's 'too old' golden generation at World Cup

Football

“There can be arguments, more challenging times but that’s all. That’s why there is a referee to make justice. And we need to just put an end to this idea of, you know, thinking Argentina is just that and we usually have that sort of behaviour."

The South American giants received eight yellow cards compared to six for the Dutch.

La Albiceleste play Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday, December 13, in what is expected to be a nail-biter.

The World Cup winners of 1978 and 1986 were considered pre-tournament favourites, but suffered a historic defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Since then, they have recovered well and many fans expect Messi to lead them to their third title.

Lahoz sent home

Sports Brief earlier reported on referee Lahoz reportedly being sent home just days after the ill-tempered quarter-final clash between Argentina and the Netherlands.

Suarez, Cavani muted at World Cup but Uruguay coach under fire

Football

Reports claim Lahoz has been told to leave Qatar and will take no further part in the remaining four games, in any capacity.

The Spanish referee is famous for his unorthodox officiating style, preferring conversation with players before handing out cards.