The Netherlands run at the FIFA World Cup 2022 has come to an end.
Louis Van Gaal's side suffered its first defeat since June last year on Friday (9 December) losing to Argentina in a match that went all the way to a shootout during the quarter-finals. It was 2-2 through extra time with the Netherlands falling 3-4 on penalties.
Wout Weghorst gave the Oranje hope when he scored in the 83rd minute and again, heroically, with just seconds remaining in regulation play at 90+11', forcing extra time. La Albiceleste had led for most of the match, having already scored twice off goals from Nahuel Molina (35') and Lionel Messi (73' P).
In extra time, the Dutch fought off several close calls with Argentina on the offensive as time ran out. Tied after 120 minutes of the play, the match went to a penalty kick shootout to decide the winner.
There seemed to be no end to the drama as the match came down to the fifth and final kick from Argentina's Lautaro Martinez, who sent his squad through to the semi-finals where they will face Croatia.
The Dutch advanced to the quarter-finals after a 3-1 win over the United States on 3 December and had finished top of Group A with two wins and a draw.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Netherlands soccer team results and scores
Group A
Monday 21 November
Match: Senegal vs Netherlands 0-2 (Al Thumama Stadium)
Scorers: Cody Gakpo (84'), Davy Klaassen (90+9')
Friday 25 November
Match: Netherlands vs Ecuador 1-1 (Khalifa International Stadium)
Scorers: Netherlands - Cody Gakpo (6'); Ecuador - Enner Valencia (49')
Tuesday 29 November
Match: Netherlands vs Qatar 2-0 (Al Bayt Stadium)
Scorers: Cody Gakpo (26'), Frenkie de Jong (49')
Round of 16
Saturday 3 December
Match: Netherlands vs USA 3-1 (Khalifa International Stadium)
Scorers: Netherlands - Memphis Depay (10'), Daley Blind (45+1'), Denzel Dumfries (81'); USA - Haji Wright (76')
Quarter-finals
Friday 9 December
Match: Netherlands vs Argentina 3-4 on penalties (2-2) (Lusail Stadium)
Scorers: Nahuel Molina (35'), Lionel Messi (73' P); Wout Weghorst (83', 90+11')
FIFA World Cup 2022 top goal-scorers: Race for the Golden Boot