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LUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Lionel Messi mentioned Argentina have felt the presence of the late, nice Diego Maradona all through their World Cup marketing campaign, together with on Friday once they beat the Netherlands on penalties to achieve the semi-finals.
Messi regarded to have impressed Argentina into a final 4 assembly with Brazil’s conquerors Croatia after he arrange Nahuel Molina’s opener earlier than the break and added the second from the penalty spot.
However Argentina blew a two-goal lead deep into stoppage time earlier than goalkeeper Emi Martinez stored his cool to save lots of the primary two Dutch penalties and Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive spot kick to ship them by.
“Diego is watching us from heaven. He’s pushing us and I actually hope this stays the identical till the tip,” Messi advised reporters.
“When Lautaro scored and we certified there was an enormous pleasure. It was a weight off our chest,” Messi added. “It was a really arduous match. From the start it was a very robust match, we knew it might be this fashion.
“We go away that on the pitch with our folks. We have been actually glad and we loved that second and that is what we are able to see right here and likewise in Argentina as a result of persons are actually glad, they’re actually excited and they’re filled with enthusiasm.
“The Dutch workforce made bother for us with lengthy balls and loads of gamers within the space. Ultimately they drew and we suffered. However we have been capable of seal our passage to the semi-finals, which is what we wished.”
Argentina will tackle Croatia for a spot within the remaining, after the 2018 runners-up beat Brazil on penalties earlier.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni mentioned regardless of their second-half collapse, his workforce had no downside discovering gamers keen to take penalties.
“Generally it is tough in these conditions, they draw back. This time we had too many volunteers. … We solely needed to determine the order of our penalty takers,” Scaloni mentioned.
“It’s true that we’d have deserved to keep away from the penalty shootout however nonetheless we fought till the tip… This was a really unusual second half. All the pieces was managed by us however then we all know what occurs with soccer.
“It’s a lovely recreation, whenever you assume that all the things is over, you’re shocked. This workforce had expertise, delight, younger gamers, and that is key, as a result of we wish to battle.”
Defenders Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will miss the match in opposition to Croatia after choosing up their second yellow playing cards of the event on Friday.
Reporting by Hritika Sharma, enhancing by Pritha Sarkar
Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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