Martinez slams 'useless' referee after heroic penalty shootout

Emiliano Martinez has slammed 'useless' referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz after Argentina's dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands.

The goalkeeper was the hero, saving Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis as the Albiceleste won 4-3 on kicks after a 2-2 draw, in which they gave up a 2 lead -0.

Referee Lahoz's performance was a huge talking point at Lusail Stadium; the Spanish official issued 15 yellow cards in the bad-tempered affair - the most in World Cup history.

He also added 10 minutes at the end of regulation time, in which the Netherlands scored a spectacular equalizer through Wout Weghorst to force an extra 30 minutes.

"The referee is useless. Let's hope we don't have that referee anymore," Martinez said, before dedicating the victory to his compatriots.

"The first thing that comes to mind is emotion," he added. “I do this for 45 million people. Giving people such joy is the greatest thing right now. We are in the semi-finals because we have passion and heart. We are delighted, as are the people."

The namesake Lautaro, who scored the decisive kick, added: "On that walk to the penalty spot, I was very calm because I have confidence in my work. When I caught the ball, I thought of my daughter. She changed my life."

Alexis Mac Allister expects a 'very difficult' semi-final with Croatia, who stunned Brazil on penalties earlier in the day, while Rodrigo de Paul enjoys the moment.

"I'm excited because I'm working hard to make these things happen," the midfielder said. "Playing a World Cup semi-final is not an everyday event.

"The idea was to come on the first day and leave on the last day. We picked ourselves up from a loss early on. Hopefully these amazing times keep coming. I tell people to enjoy it because it belongs to everyone."