World Cup: Lautaro scores the winning penalty as Argentina make the semis!

It was an unforgettable evening for Argentina and Lautaro Martinez: La Albiceleste beat Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij's Netherlands to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.

It was a hard-fought match that went all the way. At the Lusail Stadium, Argentina opened the scoring thanks to a first-half goal from Molina before Messi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after the break. It seemed over, but the Netherlands managed to produce a brilliant late comeback thanks to substitute Weghorst's brace. The game thus went to extra time and, after no further goals, it was settled by a shootout that Lautaro Martinez was involved in. The Nerazzurri striker, who had come on in the 82nd minute, scored the winning penalty to send his country through. Before El Toro's spot-kick, Messi, Paredes and Montiel had all found the net for La Albiceleste, with only Enzo Fernandez failing to convert. Koopmeiners, Weghorst and De Jong's successful penalties weren't enough for the Netherlands as Van Dijk and Berghuis' misses proved costly. It means that Denzel Dumfies and Stefan de Vrij have been eliminated from the competition. The wing-back played the entire match, while the Nerazzurri No.6 didn't feature.

In the semi-finals, Lautaro Martinez and Argentina will face Marcelo Brozovic's Croatia, who overcame Brazil. The showdown, which will decide the first finalist, is scheduled for Tuesday 13 December.