Brazil 2014: Argentina Sets up Final Match with Germany
Argentina will meet with Germany in the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after overcoming Netherlands on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Sao Paulo.
In complete contrast to Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Brazil a day before, both teams played cautious football at the Arena Corinthians and created few chances in a goalless 120 minutes. The stalemate continued in extra-time and Argentina took away a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.
There was no option to bring on Tim Krul like the Dutch had done to great effect against Costa Rica as Louis van Gaal had already made his third substitution early in extra-time. Jasper Cillessen’s terrible penalty record continued and Argentina’s Sergio Romero was the hero of the day as he saved two penalty kicks from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder.
Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez nailed home their penalty kicks leaving Argentina jubilant and Netherlands heartbroken.