Argentina beats Netherlands in penalty shootout

peterlToday  02:31 pm JST

( Dec. 10  05:19 pm JST ) (to the last poster: what’s wrong with England and Portugal?)

“ You can't win games by sitting at home. “

..

(twenty four hours later, this reply); how convenient; or maybe you can see the future(?) Do you have a crystal ball(?) You should borrow me one of those.

(to the last poster: what’s wrong with England and Portugal?)

You can't win games by sitting at home.

Lionel Messi is peaking at the right time. Outstanding footballer who has the ability to take his side higher up in world football. Well played Argentina.

It's not his ability, it's his brand name.

C’mon FIFA , it’s time to get rid of these penalty shootouts. Nobody likes them - not players nor fans.

Lionel Messi is peaking at the right time. Outstanding footballer who has the ability to take his side higher up in world football. Well played Argentina.

2 teams that really don’t like each other anymore. The ref should probably red-carded at least one member of each team.

Thankfully, these guys know a lot more about soccer than they do about fighting.

Today  10:26 am JST “ After the joy of seeing Neymar in tears earlier, I was really hoping Messi would end up the same. Oh well, one out of two isn’t bad. “

… the Croatians, the English, the Portuguese or the French will make him cry, don’t worry.

Today  12:14 pm JST

All the Dutch hooligan subs who stormed the pitch during play should be arrested and fined like any pitch invader, followed by lifetime ban

“ You didn't notice the Argentinian player who booted the ball directly into the Dutch dugout from about 10 yards away? The Argentinians were awful - diving, faking, petulant and full of dissent. They incensed the Dutch with the way they conducted themselves in the game. Replays showed time and time again they dived when a Dutch player was merely close to them, often no contact at all. And the referee indulged them. That's no way to play sport for your country. As a neutral watcher, I so wanted them to lose by the end of the match. “

Today  02:03 pm JST

“ I was thoroughly disgusted by this Argentinian team and the referee. The Dutch team were playing against 12 men against 11. Messi is calling out the referee on the news, conveniently ignoring the fact that he got away with a clear hands ball. The Argentinians got away with a red card too. Pity, I used to be Messi's biggest fan, but seeing him falling down like a one-legged muppet every time a Dutch defender got close and his whining made me lose it all. As for the continuees whistling during the game anytime a Dutch player was on the ball, well that showed the level of thuggery in the stands and on the pitch. Pity Brasil is gone, pity Spain is gone, I can't believe Argentine can continue. “

Today  02:46 pm JST

“ I too am disgusted by the Argentina team's lack of sportmanship. They were flopping left and right. Also, once they won, they showed no class. I hope Croatia whoops them and puts them on a plane home after the next match. I'm now rooting for any team, but Argentina (and Portugal). I hope Croatia, Morocco, or France wins it all. “

… all true. But this is nothing new(!)

(to the last poster: what’s wrong with England and Portugal?)

Dang. My worst nightmare - Brazil is out and Argentina still in. This blows.

Great classy performance from Messi and the Argentinians. The clumsy and aggressive Dutch could easily have had 2-3 red cards. Now let's hope they go all the way and beat England in the final.....if possible on penalties.....Vamos muchachos!

I too am disgusted by the Argentina team's lack of sportmanship. They were flopping left and right. Also, once they won, they showed no class. I hope Croatia whoops them and puts them on a plane home after the next match. I'm now rooting for any team, but Argentina (and Portugal). I hope Croatia, Morocco, or France wins it all.

I was thoroughly disgusted by this Argentinian team and the referee. The Dutch team were playing against 12 men against 11. Messi is calling out the referee on the news, conveniently ignoring the fact that he got away with a clear hands ball. The Argentinians got away with a red card too. Pity, I used to be Messi's biggest fan, but seeing him falling down like a one-legged muppet every time a Dutch defender got close and his whining made me lose it all. As for the continuees whistling during the game anytime a Dutch player was on the ball, well that showed the level of thuggery in the stands and on the pitch. Pity Brasil is gone, pity Spain is gone, I can't believe Argentine can continue.

All the Dutch hooligan subs who stormed the pitch during play should be arrested and fined like any pitch invader, followed by lifetime ban

You didn't notice the Argentinian player who booted the ball directly into the Dutch dugout from about 10 yards away? The Argentinians were awful - diving, faking, petulant and full of dissent. They incensed the Dutch with the way they conducted themselves in the game. Replays showed time and time again they dived when a Dutch player was merely close to them, often no contact at all. And the referee indulged them.

That's no way to play sport for your country. As a neutral watcher, I so wanted them to lose by the end of the match.

All the Dutch hooligan subs who stormed the pitch during play should be arrested and fined like any pitch invader, followed by lifetime ban

After the joy of seeing Neymar in tears earlier, I was really hoping Messi would end up the same. Oh well, one out of two isn’t bad.

Twas an excellent match with OT and penalty shootouts. Plenty of highs and lows on both sides.

More yellow cards than any world cup game before. The bench was cleared onto the field, but no brawl happened. I thought a few red cards were needed, but none were given out.