Argentina beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the early hours of Saturday after a dramatic 2-2 draw to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst scored two late goals, including a stoppage-time leveller, after Argentina had led 2-0 through Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi’s penalty.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was Argentina’s hero in the shootout, saving two spot-kicks as they won 4-3 on penalties.

Martinez said “passion and heart” propelled his side into the World Cup semifinals – and he was delighted to bring joy to his struggling country.

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Martinez was one of the heroes of the quarterfinal, saving the Netherlands’ first two spot kicks in the penalty shootout.

“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.”

(with AFP inputs)

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