Argentina Win on Penalties

Argentina Win on Penalties

Argentina Win on Penalties

📅10 July 2014, 11:00

After 120 minutes of goalless play, Argentina set up a meeting with Germany in the World Cup final by beating the Netherlands 4 – 2 on penalties.

Argentina’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero was the hero of the night saving penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder while Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was unable to repeat the performance of his deputy Tim Krul in the quarter-final win against Costa Rica.

The Dutch successfully shadowed Messi throughout the match using Nigel de Jong and Jordy Clasie but at the same time they were unable to pose any real attacking threat. The first shot on target came from Arjen Robben after 99 minutes. On the other hand, Argentina weren’t given many chances either, mainly due to defender Vlaar who formed the heart of the Dutch defence.

Overall though, it was a very stale performance from both teams and one which never really looked like going anywhere except penalties. Vlaar had his opening penalty saved and then when Sneijder missed the third it was pretty much the end of the road for the Netherlands.

Messi, Ezequiel Garay, Aruero and Rodriguez all scored for Argentina to send them through to their first World Cup final since 1990. They will face Germany on Sunday night at the Estadio do Maracana in a final battle for the title.

The Netherlands will now go on to play Brazil in the play-off for third place at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia on Saturday night.

Results

Upcoming Final Matches

Brazil vs. Netherlands, Saturday, July 12, 2014 – Match Preview
Germany vs. Argentina, Sunday, July 13, 2014 – Match Preview