From Leandro Paredes’ reckless brain fade that sparked a bench-clearing stoush to Lionel Messi’s heated exchange with the Dutch coach, Saturday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Netherlands was as dramatic as it comes.
And that’s only what was happening off the field, with a last-gasp equaliser sending the game to extra time in a sign of the chaos to come.
But if there was one photo that summed up the animosity between the two teams, it was one that was captured after Lautaro Martinez’s winner in the penalty shootout.
Some Netherlands players fell to the ground, tears in their eyes as they buried their faces in the field, while their rivals raced past — jubilant, jovial, gloating.
‘OUTRAGEOUS’: Argentina, Messi survive late Dutch drama in ‘all-time classic’
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said his team’s loss to Argentina on penalties was “incredibly painful”.
“We failed to score the first two penalties so that’s when things become really hard and tough. It is a matter of being lucky, a lottery,” said Van Gaal.
The 71-year-old was also coach of the Netherlands when they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
“This is the second time we lost to Argentina this way. Two World Cups with the same coach for the Netherlands,” he said.
“I asked the players to train and to practise penalties, so I have nothing to reproach them for. To come back and equalise… to lose on penalties is unfortunate.” V
an Gaal returned for a third spell in charge in August 2021 after undergoing treatment for aggressive prostate cancer.
The Oranje are unbeaten in 20 games under Van Gaal, including Saturday’s match, but he confirmed he would be stepping down from the job as planned.
“The boys are feeling despondent. They gave everything and I’m incredibly proud. I had a wonderful time,” he said.
“It is incredibly painful to see how we’ve been eliminated because I did everything I could to prevent this.”
NEYMAR DROPS HINT ON INTERNATIONAL FUTURE
Brazil star Neymar hinted he might quit international football, saying he could not “100 percent” guarantee he would play for the national team again.
Speaking after his side’s World Cup quarter-final defeat in Qatar, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar suggested he could step away.
“I am not closing any doors on the national team but I am also not guaranteeing 100 percent that I will return,” said an emotional Neymar, 30.
“I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team.” Neymar equalled Pele’s record tally of 77 goals for Brazil with a brilliant strike on Friday but Bruno Petkovic levelled with minutes remaining.
The Brazilian did not take a penalty in the shootout. Rodrygo’s effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos hit the post, while Croatia scored all four of their efforts to win the shootout 4-2.
Four years ago in Russia Neymar and Brazil suffered elimination at the same stage at the hands of Belgium.
In 2014 the Selecao were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany without Neymar, who missed the game with an injury.
“It is an awful feeling, I think this is a worse feeling than what happened at the last World Cup,” said Neymar. “It is difficult to find the words to describe this moment.
“We fought and I am proud of my teammates, proud of the character they showed to step up and take penalties.” Brazil coach Tite confirmed he was stepping down after the match. “It is a painful defeat but I go in peace,” he said. “It is the end of a cycle.”
ARGENTINA HERO FIRES BACK AT REF’S ‘ARROGANT’ JAB
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said “passion and heart” propelled his side into the World Cup semi-finals — while delivering a clear message to referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
Martinez was one of the heroes of the quarter-final, saving the Netherlands’ first two spot kicks in the penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.
Argentina won the shootout 4-3 to move into a semi-final against Croatia, the surprise victors against Brazil.
“We are in the semi-final because we have passion and heart. We are excited, just like the people,” Martinez said.
“The first thing that comes to mind is emotion. I do this for 45 million people,” he added. “The country is not having a good time due to economic issues and giving joy to people is the most satisfying thing at this time.”
He criticised Spanish referee Lahoz, calling him “crazy and arrogant”.
“You say something to him and he speaks badly to you, he gives 10 minutes (of injury time) and gives all the free kicks to the Netherlands,” Martinez said.
“Because Spain were eliminated, he wanted us to be knocked out too,” he added. Spain went out to Morocco in the last 16.
