Updates
Things you may have missed during Argentina’s enthralling World Cup win against Netherlands

And breathe.
Wow. What a day of World Cup that was. Just when you thought Croatia’s stunning penalty shootout win against Brazil couldn’t be topped, the Netherlands and Argentina played out one of the most iconic matches ever at the aptly named Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Magic from Lionel Messi helped La Albiceleste into a two-goal lead, but Louis van Gaal threw on Wout Weghorst and he managed to score twice late on to send the match to extra-time.
After rattling the upright twice, Argentina had to settle for a penalty shootout, where Emiliano Martinez was again the hero to send his nation to the semi-finals.
It was a dramatic evening of football and you may have missed everything that occurred. Here’s a rundown of the events which might just have passed you by.
Harry Symeou hosts Scott Saunders, Sean Walsh, Ali Rampling and Brian Goldfarb to look back on the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil – join us!
If you can’t see the podcast embed, click here to download or listen to the episode in full!
Gigantic target man Weghorst officially entered the pitch after 78 minutes, replacing Memphis Depay as Van Gaal went for a more direct strategy.
But with five of the evening’s 17 bookings from Antonio Mateu Lahoz already handed out, one of them had actually been picked up by the Besiktas striker in the first half for dissent.
Having already seen one penalty saved this World Cup, Messi was determined not to see another 12-yard strike denied.
That’s not to say 6ft8 Andries Nopper didn’t try his best, though, crowing down to the Argentina talisman prior to his 73rd-minute spot kick. Messi proceeded to blast it into the top corner.
We have a lot of time for Steven Bergwijn playing in the 2014 Adizeros pic.twitter.com/gGmQb3Z0kn
— COPA90 (@Copa90) December 9, 2022
Steven Bergwijn has offered little to this World Cup. He was hooked after just 45 minutes against Argentina. But he did wear boots similar to the famous ones Messi wore during the 2014 World Cup. Another for the ‘Netherlands disrespected Argentina first’ argument, perhaps.
Lahoz loves to be the centre of attention, but leading into the final shootout, you may not have realised that he booked Denzel Dumfries twice in quick succession. As he was part of the final XI, he would not have been allowed to take a spot kick, and Noppert may have been called into action quicker if it ended up lasting that long.
🎥 This is what Netherlands players were doing on penalties
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 10, 2022
A lot has been made that Argentina’s discipline, celebrations and post-match interviews crossed a line, but this was a clash that had potential to spill over all week.
The Netherlands’ press conferences were littered with statements of over-confidence and sly digs at Messi, which is completely fair game (personally, there should be more of this stuff).
But there were a lot of knives out for Nicolas Otamendi in particular after he taunted the Dutch once penalties were over. A different perspective of the shootout explains why he and his teammates were so outlandish with their behaviour, with the Oranje showing them a similar lack of respect while the contest was ongoing.
Updates
Crystal Palace confirm loan signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga

Crystal Palace have confirmed the deadline day loan signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Arsenal.
Lokonga featured sporadically for Arsenal during the first half of the 2022/23 season, making just two Premier League starts as the Gunners have mounted an unlikely title challenge.
The midfielder has now joined Palace on loan for the remainder of the campaign in search of more regular football.
Speaking to the club’s official website after making the move, Lokonga said: “I’m really excited – I can’t wait to get started. I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I want to go as far as possible with the team. I will try to push for me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish was quick to praise Lokonga too, saying: “I would like to welcome Sambi to south London, and am pleased he has chosen to join Patrick’s squad for the rest of the season, after making an impressive start to life in English football.
“He has been on our radar for several years since his emergence at Anderlecht, and we very much look forward to his contribution as we push to climb the table”.
The midfielder has been replaced by Jorginho at Arsenal, with the Italian midfielder making the move across London from Chelsea to join the Gunners on a permanent deal.
On this edition of TCOAG, Harry Symeou reacts to the news Arsenal have agreed a £12m deal to sign Jorginho from Chelsea. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Updates
Atletico Madrid confirm signing of Matt Doherty after Tottenham contract termination

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Matt Doherty after the player agreed a mutual termination of his Tottenham contract.
In joining Atleti, Doherty becomes the first ever Republic of Ireland international to play for one of Spain’s top three clubs.
Doherty isn’t the only wing-back to leave Tottenham on deadline day, as the Irish star follows Djed Spence out the door – with the former Forest man joining Stade Rennais on loan until the end of the season.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 31, 2023
A statement from Tottenham regarding the news reads: “We have mutually agreed to the termination of Matt Doherty’s contract to enable him to join another club.
“Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, 2020, the Republic of Ireland international made 71 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring three goals.
“We should like to thank Matt for his service and wish him well for the future.”
Both outgoings have made way for new signing Pedro Porro, who is joining Spurs on an initial loan with an obligation to buy the player outright from Sporting CP in the summer.
Updates
Arsenal confirm Jorginho’s shirt number

Arsenal have confirmed that Jorginho will wear the number 20 jersey at the club following his move from Chelsea on deadline day.
The Italian midfielder made the move across London late in the January transfer window, signing for the Gunners after the club failed to sign primary target Moises Caicedo.
Now at the Emirates Stadium, the Euro 2020 winner will wear the number 20 jersey – a shirt previously worn by Shkodran Mustafi, Philippe Senderos and Matthew Upson. While not donned by players anyone would ever consider to be club legends, there is plenty of optimism that Jorginho will perform well in the number 20 shirt.
On this edition of TCOAG, Harry Symeou reacts to the news Arsenal have agreed a £12m deal to sign Jorginho from Chelsea. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Speaking following his move to the club, Jorginho admitted that the main reason he joined Arsenal was the influence of the manager Mikel Arteta: “He was a big influence because I know that he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes. So of course, he had a big influence,” he said.
“I’m very excited for this new challenge, and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch to be honest! Everything has happened so fast. I was a bit surprised, but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge.
“It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.”
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