Argentina 2022 World Cup squad list, results, fixtures and latest odds

Argentina are set to be heavily fined after Fifa launched disciplinary proceedings over mass misconduct by players during their controversial World Cup quarter-final win against the Netherlands.

Lionel Messi was among a record 17 World Cup players or coaching staff to receive yellow cards during or after a match. Both teams were also criticized for their antics during and after penalties.

Football’s governing body cited “match order and safety” in its disciplinary code for the Argentina federation’s charge. The most severe penalty available is expulsion from the competition for the charge, although sources close to the case suggest a fine is more likely than Saudi Arabia received earlier in the tournament. The Netherlands, whose players confused Argentina when they came to take penalties, also face an investigation into one charge.

Argentina’s reserves and coaches stormed the pitch several times as the game turned confrontational in the late stages as the Dutch scored two late goals to force extra time. After Argentina won on penalties after a 2-2 draw, there was a more heated exchange on the pitch.

Nicolas Otamendi faced criticism after he clipped his ears while celebrating right in front of the Dutch players. Messi was also seen in an angry confrontation with Edgar Davids and Louis van Gaal.

Emiliano Martinez also viciously attacked the referee. “The referee did his best,” he said, claiming Antonio Mateu Lahoz was given 10 minutes of added time “for no reason”. “He took free kicks for them from out of bounds, twice, three times,” he added. “He just wanted them to score, that’s basically it. So hopefully we don’t have him as a referee anymore. He’s useless.”

Fifa’s statement reads: “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against the Argentine Football Association for possible violations of Articles 12 (misconduct by players and officials) and 16 (match order and safety) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup match in Argentina, which was on December 9.

“Furthermore, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against the Netherlands Football Association for possible breaches of Article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in relation to the same match.”

Meanwhile, Messi said Argentina felt the presence of the late, great Diego Maradona throughout the World Cup campaign, including on Friday. when they beat the Netherlands on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals.

Messi looked to have inspired Argentina into their last four tie with Brazil winners Croatia after setting up Nahuel Molina’s first goal before the break and adding a second from the penalty spot.

But Argentina blew a two-goal lead deep into injury time before goalkeeper Emi Martinez kept his composure to save the Netherlands’ first two penalties and Lautaro Martinez hit the decisive spot-kick to send them ahead.

“Diego is watching us from heaven. He’s chasing us and I really hope it stays that way until the end,” Messi said.

“When Lautaro scored and we qualified, there was a lot of joy. It was a weight off our chest,” Messi added. “It was a very tough match. It was a really tough match from the start, we knew it was going to be like that.

“We leave it on the pitch with our people. We were really happy and we enjoyed that moment and that’s what we can see here and also in Argentina because people are really happy, really excited and full of enthusiasm.

“The Dutch team gave us problems with long balls and a lot of players in space. In the end they drew, but we suffered. But we were able to secure a breakthrough to the semi-finals, which is what we wanted.”

Argentina will face Croatia to qualify for the finals, after the 2018 runners-up beat Brazil on penalties.