Dibu Martínez saved two penalties and put Argentina in the semi-finals of Qatar 2022.

Emiliano Martínez stole all the spotlight from important men like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, to become the hero of the Argentine national team in the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022, by saving two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out against Netherlands at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

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The goalkeeper, just like in the 2021 Copa America where he saved three penalties to reach the final against Brasil, now the talkative Aston Villa goalkeeper stood imposingly against Virgil Van Djik, who chose the right post of the goalkeeper without knowing that 'Dibu' Martinez was already flying to that side to deflect his shot.

While Lionel Messi and company celebrated their teammate's save, they didn't know that he would repeat it when Steven Berghuis stood in front of the ball and tried to change sides on the Argentine goalkeeper who also launched himself towards that post and kept the clean sheet in his goal.

Towards the end of the penalty shootout, with a goal from Lautaro, Damian Martinez fell on the grass and it was Lionel Messi who was the first to congratulate him, lift him up and take him to where the rest of the group was to celebrate the qualification to face Croatia in the semifinals.

Argentina vs Netherlands. THE PREVIEW

Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 with goals from Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. Although they were very close to extending the lead, the lack of accuracy, mainly from Lautaro Martinez, led to the 'socceroos' being on the verge of equalizing in added time.

With the spot in the quarterfinals secured, Argentina will face a strong and serious candidate in Qatar 2022, Netherlands. The 'Oranje' defeated Senegal and Qatar in Group A, and also drew with Ecuador. Cody Gakpo stood out in that phase with three goals. In the round of 16, they defeated the United States with a stellar performance by Denzel Dumfries.

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The Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz was chosen by FIFA to officiate the Argentina vs Netherlands match. It is important to remember that in the group stage he refereed two matches: Qatar vs Senegal and Iran vs United States. In total, he has shown ten yellow cards and no red cards so far.

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