Van Gaal: It is incredibly painful to exit on penalties

By Xorkpe Sosu 2 Min Read

After a thrilling match in Lusail, an Argentina team led by Lionel Messi defeated a valiant Netherlands comeback to go to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.

Although Argentina had a 2-0 lead with goals from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi (who scored from the penalty spot), the Dutch rallied with two late goals from substitute Wout Weghorst to force extra time.

However, Argentina prevailed 4-3 on penalties after Emiliano Martinez saved both Virgil van Dijk’s and Steven Berghuis’ penalty shots in the shootout, setting up a semifinal matchup with Croatia.

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The loss to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, according to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, was “incredibly painful.”

“We failed to score the first two penalties so that’s when things become really hard and tough. It is a matter of being lucky, a lottery,” said Van Gaal.Van Gaal: It is incredibly painful to exit on penalties

“This is the second time we lost to Argentina this way. Two World Cups with the same coach for the Netherlands.”

“I asked the players to train and to practise penalties, so I have nothing to reproach them for. To come back and equalise… to lose on penalties is unfortunate.”

When the Netherlands were defeated by Argentina in 2014 after a shootout, Van Gaal was serving as their head coach.

Van Gaal had the Oranje unbeaten in 20 games, including the encounter on Friday, but he announced that he would be leaving the position as expected.

Also read: England must “be aware of” a “fantastic” France talent, according to Kieran Trippier.

“The boys are feeling despondent. They gave everything and I’m incredibly proud. I had a wonderful time,” he said.

“It is incredibly painful to see how we’ve been eliminated because I did everything I could to prevent this.”

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