After a goalless 0-0 draw, Argentina thwarted Netherlands on penalties to set up a World Cup final showdown with Germany.
(Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)
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In a cloudy atmosphere in São Paulo, the passionate football fans were awaiting a highly anticipated match-up in this Semi-Final clash. The winners go on to meet Germany in the final.
The opening 10 minutes were very even as both theams were trying to hold on to possession and slowly break the opposition down. Javier Mascherano was seen being very tight especially with Robben to stop the Dutchman getting in on the defence.
A low, fast free kick from Lionel Messi is saved by Jasper Cillessen.
Nearly 20 minutes and no major chances were created but Argentina were just getting forward a bit more with Higuain, Lavezzi and Perez trying hard to create chances and break through the Netherlands defence.
Argentina had a good shape when attacking and especially defending as they weren’t allowing Van Persie and Robben run at them or get any decent shots on goal. Still mostly even though.
Argentina fired a corner in and it was centre back Garay who got on the end of it but he put just a bit too much on the header and went over the bar. Good corner, it beat most defenders.
Javier Mascherano suffers a knock to the head and may of lost a few seconds of conciousness but he opted to stay on.
Half an hour in and no real chances were created. Garay’s header was probably the most threatning of the game and for Argentina. Nothing really for Netherlands to shout about as they only put away one shot, that being Sneijder’s which was put wide.
15 minutes after half time and a good and a good run and cross from Lavezzi meets the head of Gonzalo Higuain but the Napoli striker was unable to get full contact on the ball and guide it into the goal.
Another 15 minutes after that and Higuain had another good chance. A low, dangerous cross fell to him but he clipped the ball against the side netting. Argentina looking most likely to take the lead.
Netherlands were trying hard to create chances as Arjien Robben was running down the left flank but still nothing was that good enough to scrape a goal past the Argentinians.
Just a few minutes from time and Robben had a huge chance to steal it as the Bayern Munich man dribbled through into the box only to be denied by a sensational sliding tackle from Javier Mascherano. Best chance of the game.
The full 90 minutes were played and nothing could sepererate the two teams. Extra Time was needed.
Arijen Robben sweetly struck a shot on target but it went right into the grasp of Romero.
Argentina’s best chance came when a lovely chip over the Netherlands defence saw Rodriguez in on goal. He tried heading past the keeper but Cillessen kept it out.
Netherlands were forward again and a Dirk Kuyt strike was hit with power but was deflected.
Extra Time was played and still nothing could separate the teams. Penalties it missed
Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder missed their penalties, with Argentina scoring all theirs. For the match point, Maxi Rodriguez smashed his away to send Argentina through to the final!
Match breakdown
Man of the Match: Javier Mascherano, he made sensational, match saving tackles
Flop of the Match: Airjen Robben fails to put away a great chance when in or goal.
Possession: Netherlands 53%, Argentina 47%
Shots: Netherlands 7, Argentina 8
Argentina defence too strong and tight for Netherlands
A strong and tight Argentinian defence as Van Persie, Robben were unable to really test them.
Netherlands will now face the might challenge of Germany in the final.
After a dullish match, with late penalty drama, who do you think will win the final – Germany or Argentina?
MORE World Cup articles are available – here’s a selection of reports and fallout from the other World Cup semi-final, and to say the least, it was a shocker.
Germany Wreck Hosts in Brazil’s Day of Devastation »
Why Germany Will Win the World Cup »
Defining Moments of Brazil’s World Cup Campaign »
Where Do Brazil Go From Here? »
Germany Personify Footballing Perfection »
Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »
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