Argentina halted the Dutch master Louis Van Gaal’s run through spot kicks to book a final World Cup showdown with Germany at the expense of The Netherlands. Argentina won 4-2 after regulation time had ended 0-0.
After Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder had seen their penalties saved by Sergio Romero, Maxi Rodriguez sealed Argentina’s passage to Maracana final with a powerful spot kick.
Lionel Messi set the tone for the Argentinians, who were in their first semi-final since 1990, with a cool penalty.
Ezequiel Garay and Sergio Aguero followed the cue before Rodriquez powered in his to render useless Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt’s successful spot kicks. Argentina will now meet Germany— the 7-1 conquerors of hosts Brazil— at the Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday.
It was perhaps the only way to settle a turgid encounter inside Arena de Sao Paolo.
In a match characterized more by tactical scheming from both sides, chances came at a premium.
The best chance for a goal fell on Argentina in the 75th minute but Gonzalo Higuain hit the side netting after a sliding pass by Enzo Perez.
The Netherlands’ chance came 90th minute, one that could have settled matters when Robben ghosted into the Argentine box. However, the Bayern Munich man took eternity to pull the trigger allowing Javier Mascherano to make a timed tackle.
The two chances aside, the match resembled a game of chess.
Louis Van Gaal set up his stall with a 5-3-2 formation bringing in Nigel de Jong in midfield for the first time since limping out of their 2-0 win over Chile in the group stages.
Dirk Kuyt, the former Liverpool striker came in as the extra defender with Van Persie and Robben taking up the attacking mantle.
Argentina gaffer Alejandro Sabella went with a 4-3-3 formation with magician Lionel Messi pulling the strings in a three-pronged attack.
With Angel di Maria injured, Enzo Perez came in.
Argentina managed to pour cold water on The Netherlands’ attacking duo of Robben and Van Persie.
The Dutch on their part did enough to thwart any threats thrown at them by Lionel Messi with defenders Ron Vlaar and Stefan de Vrij nipping trouble in the bud.
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Argentina had the first opportunity via the dead ball after a quarter of an hour. Lionel Messi got a crack at goal but Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was well positioned to deal with the ball as it zipped through the man wall.
It appeared the Argentines were ready to crank up the pressure and twice they pressed the Dutch at the back nine minutes later. Ezequiel Lavezzi and Enzo Perez, who replaced Angel Di Maria, picked out spaces on the right and left of the Netherlands leading to two quick corners.
From one of them, Ezequiel Garay headed over but paid the price with a whack on the mouth by Aston Villa man, Ron Vlaar.
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