sport news Argentina vs Holland player ratings: Lionel Messi masterclass trends now
Argentina progressed to the World Cup semi-finals in the most dramatic of circumstances after winning a classic with Holland.
Emiliano Martinez proved to be their hero with two saves in the penalty shoot-out that followed a thrilling 2-2 draw in Lusail.
Argentina thought they had the contest sewn up thanks to goals by Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi, only for Wout Weghorst to rescue Holland with two late goals.
Jubilant Argentina players celebrate their progress to the World Cup semi-finals after they defeated Holland 4-3 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw
The fine margins of football were very much evidence in a classic World Cup quarter-final
But the South Americans were able to re-focus in extra time and then held their nerve in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final against Croatia.
Sportsmail's IAN HERBERT gave his player ratings and ADAM SHERGOLD offers his evaluation of each performance.
HOLLAND
Andries Noppert - 6
Almost came a cropper with a careless pass in the opening minute but dealt with most things Argentina threw at him, notably in the latter stages of extra time when they seemed to find fresh energy. The 6ft 8in keeper powerless in the shoot-out, however.
Jurrien Timber - 6
Walked the disciplinary tightrope during extra time and was unquestionably on his final warning before a second yellow card. However, the youngster showed admirable composure for the most part in the biggest game of his career to date.
Virgil van Dijk - 6
Displayed his usual composure and exemplary leadership, especially when calming those around him during spells of pressure. But just lost his nerve with a poor penalty in the shoot-out having stepped up first for his team.
Virgil van Dijk reacts after seeing his penalty kick saved by Emiliano Martinez in the shoot-out
Nathan Ake - 6
Overloaded at times, especially with Messi drifting around, but largely solid. Also has that ability to step out of defence and launch a long pass, which troubled Argentina at times.
Denzel Dumfries - 6
Nowhere near as influential as in then last-16 game with the United States as Argentina kept close tabs on him. His frustration was compounded by the contact on Acuna that led to the penalty for the second goal.
Denzel Dumfries has enjoyed a very good tournament but he was well shackled here
Marten De Roon - 5
Taken off at half-time in one of those typically ruthless Van Gaal moves but in fairness had provided little bite in the midfield with Holland unable to generate anything going forward in the 45 minutes he played.
Frenkie de Jong - 7
His usual neat and tidy self when it came to passing on the occasions Holland enjoyed the ball. But ultimately couldn't bend the game to his will, even when greater spaces opened up after half-time. Fans will look forward to seeing him on the tournament stage in the future though.
It was a tough night for Frenkie de Jong keeping tabs on Lionel Messi and Argentina
Daley Blind - 6
Was responsible for losing track of Molina for the opening Argentina goal although in his defence the chances of Messi picking that through pass seemed a million-to-one. Seemed to pick up a knock midway through the second-half and was withdrawn.
Cody Gakpo - 6
Certainly capable of offering Holland a spark but playing off Bergwijn and Depay as he did in the first-half didn't really work. His impact faded as the game drew on but the World Cup has done no harm to his transfer value.
Memphis Depay - 5
Hugely disappointing. Grafted up front but never received enough of the ball to influence things. A few minutes early in the second half were instructive when he twice surrendered the ball having tried a little too hard to make something happen. Taken off to facilitate the change of approach which turned the game on its head late on.
It just wasn't Depay's night as he tried a little too hard at times to make an impact on the game
Steven Bergwijn - 5
Was distraught to be taken off at half-time but had barely had a sniff of goal apart from one effort that was dragged miles wide. Was a mistake to play him when the more direct approach paid off. He was even booked for arguing when on the bench.
SUBSTITUTES
Steven Berghuis (for Bergwijn 46mins) - 6
Delivered the ideal cross from which Weghorst glanced home the goal to give Holland hope but then missed his penalty.
Teun Koopmeiners (for De Roon 46mins) - 6.5
An upgrade in the centre of the park and laid on the ingenious free-kick pass from which
