Iran Press/ Middle East: Argentina will play Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday after finally overcoming the Netherlands.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are heading to the semifinals after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalty kicks. Emi Martinez made two saves during an epic penalty shootout and Lautaro Martinez hit the critical kick to send Argentina to the next round. A date with Croatia is on the horizon but it was quite a match to get there. Despite Argentina carrying a 2-0 advantage into the 82nd minute, a late brace from Wout Weghorst drove the game into extra time as Lionel Scaloni's defense collapsed. Scoring his first goal only five minutes after entering the match, Weghorst was the ultimate super sub for Louis van Gaal.
Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in the 2014 semi-final, with Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder missing. Traditionally, Argentina have a much better record in shootouts than the Netherlands, who were eliminated on penalties in 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2014. 219
