Find the impressions of the special correspondent of Figaro during the quarter-final won by Argentina (2-2, 4 tab to 2) against the Netherlands on Friday evening.
Special Envoy to Qatar
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A crazy scenario
An evening that makes you take ten years in the face. To be quite frank, we did not imagine such a scenario on Friday evening when landing in the magnificent Lusail Stadium even if the historic poster made everyone salivate. Between the successful score of Messi, author of a decisive pass and a goal, the unexpected transformation of the Dutch from the precipice to the resurrection, like the fabulous combination for the 2-2, or even the XXL tension during extra time and the penalty shootout, nothing was spared us. For in the end, a scenario of legend. And a meeting that everyone will remember after the competition.
Messi this genius who takes responsibility
What more can be said than has already been told hundreds of times? Lionel Messi, 35, is on assignment in Qatar. With only one idea in mind for the sevenfold Ballon d’Or, to win the World Cup on December 18 and return as a hero to Buenos Aires. For the only trophy missing from his legendary list, the genius of Rosario bears all the pressure and the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Since the start of the meeting in Qatar, he has been everywhere. Friday evening, it is he who unblocks the situation with a laser pass that he is the only one to have seen for the opener of the Molina score (1-0, 35e) before scoring his fourth goal from the penalty spot (2-0, 73e). And faced with the scenario of madness, he will assume his responsibilities by taking the first shot on goal of his people. Completely different tactics from the Brazilians who preferred to let Neymar shoot last against Croatia for the outcome that we know… The adventure continues for the legend Messi in Doha. With dreams full of the head.
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Doha has become Buenos Aires
The Argentinian myth is more alive than ever. It is enough to attend a meeting of the Albiceleste in “live” to realize it. With the same effect each time. Chills, emotions and above all an evening to make you lose your hearing. With more than 40,000 “hinchas” (supporters) present at the Lusail stadium, where the final of this World Cup is scheduled for December 18, the party was grand on Friday evening. Opposite, the thousand oranje supporters did not weigh very heavily. Every time with the Argentines, we are caught in the face of so much passion, noise, uproar. A simple happiness, futile for some and visceral for others. Can’t wait for the semi-final next Tuesday against Croatia. In the stands, we already know who will emerge victorious.
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Claw strokes
Is Paredes still a soccer player?
Came to the 66e minute of play in place of De Paul, Leandro Paredes illustrated himself in the worst possible way on Friday evening. As usual, we will be tempted to say in view of what the former Paris SG midfielder, now at Juventus, offers. At the 88e minute, the international lost his nerves like a 12-year-old child by shooting towards the Dutch bench after a big foul whistled on Aké. A moment of extreme tension followed, with Oranje angry and entering the lawn to do battle with the culprit. The latter collecting a logical yellow card.
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No reunion with Brazil for a legendary match
It’s no secret that when observing the game of Brazil and Argentina after the group stage, all the followers present in Doha thought of only one thing: the half -possible final between Brazilians and Argentinians. Missed. The fault of brave and valiant Croats after having put an end to the dreams of Neymar’s band (1-1, 4 pens to 2) a few hours before the qualification of the Argentines. No dream poster next Tuesday at the Lusail stadium between the historic rivals of South America. It will be Lionel Messi against Luka Modric and a new fight which promises to be tough for Dalmatians not to be underestimated.