Argentina’s Penalties in Qatar 2022: Refereeing Decisions That Divided Opinion

Spot-kicks proved decisive in guiding La Albiceleste to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, shaping key moments throughout the tournament and sparking debate over several refereeing calls.

Penalty kicks played a crucial role in Argentina’s journey to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 title, both in terms of their direct impact on matches and their influence at decisive stages of the tournament.

GROUP STAGE

In the group stage, Argentina had a direct relationship with the spot-kick. Against Mexico, the breakthrough came via a penalty converted by Lionel Messi in a tight and tense encounter. On the final matchday against Poland, Messi was again handed an opportunity from 12 yards, but saw his effort saved by Wojciech Szczęsny. Even so, Argentina secured a 2–0 win and finished top of the group.

CONTROVERSY IN THE SECOND ROUND

In the Round of 16 against Australia, Argentina claimed a 2–1 win in normal time without the need for penalties, although the closing stages were tight, highlighted by a key save from Emiliano Martínez.

The first major turning point arrived in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. After a 2–2 draw over 120 minutes in a match Argentina had once led 2–0, the penalty shootout ended 4–3 in favour of La Albiceleste, with Emiliano Martínez emerging as the standout figure after saving two attempts in a heated and emotionally charged contest.

RESOLUTE EDGE AND A HEART-STOPPING FINAL

In the semi-finals against Croatia, Argentina delivered a dominant 3–0 win in regulation time, avoiding the need for penalties.

The second decisive shootout came in the final against France after a dramatic 3–3 draw following extra time. Argentina once again prevailed 4–2 on penalties, with Martínez delivering another crucial performance and the team showing remarkable composure under pressure.

PENALTIES AS A KEY FACTOR

Yes—penalties influenced key moments in the group stage and proved decisive in the knockout rounds. Without the shootout victories against the Netherlands and France, Argentina would not have reached the final or lifted the World Cup.

Rather than coincidence, their success from the spot reflected the team’s mental strength in high-pressure scenarios, where every kick had the potential to reshape the tournament’s outcome.