Argentina is transferring on to the World Cup semifinals following an exciting quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands on Friday. After blowing a 2-0 second half lead, Argentina was in a position to fend off the Netherlands in additional time and win a dramatic penalty shootout.
On Friday’s version of “World Cup Now,” DaMarcus Beasley, Melissa Ortiz and former USMNT participant Sacha Kljestan mentioned what stood out to them in Argentina’s victory.
DaMarcus Beasley: Messi is the GOAT
You have a look at the efficiency in the present day from him, from the little magician. He was unimaginable from the primary minute on. Coming into this recreation, we puzzled the place the offense was going to return from. They have Julian Alvarez, and so they’ve obtained Messi, however who else? Who’s going to be the third particular person, who’s going to be the fourth particular person so as to add to the assault? You noticed in the present day they did not actually need it. They have the little magician. He stepped up and scored a purpose, had an help and scored his penalty. He continually put the staff on his again.
Melissa Ortiz: Protection was key for Argentina
Though they have been up two and dropped that lead, defensively, let’s simply say that all through the event [Argentina goalie] Emiliano Martínez solely confronted 11 photographs on purpose and in the present day there have been solely two photographs on him. Which means defensively, they have been doing one thing appropriately from the skin and in. Purpose-scoring-wise, the protection was concerned in each alternatives, whether or not it was Nahuel Molina down the aspect or drawing the penalty kick. The defensive gamers helped Messi shine.
Sacha Kljestan: Respect to the Dutch and its supervisor
Respect to Louis van Gaal. I’ve actually loved him on this event. Not solely the best way he is talked about his staff and the best way he is guided issues, however the changes that he made on this recreation. He took out each of his strikers, two of his finest gamers and placed on two new strikers, huge guys that went after the sport differently within the final 15-to-20 minutes and have been in a position to tie this recreation up.
Learn extra from the World Cup:
High tales from FOX Sports activities:
Get extra from FIFA World Cup 2022 Observe your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
