Argentina progressed to the World Cup final where they will take on Germany in the Maracana on Sunday night following their 4-2 penalty triumph against Netherlands in Sao Paulo.
Argentina required two super saves from goalkeeper Sergio Romero during the penalty Shootout to qualify for the final
Romero dived down to his left to beat the ball away off Vlaar’s penalty shot, just before Skipper Messi struck the ball into the bottom corner.
Arjen Robben equalised for the dutch sending the ball into the bottom right corner but Ezequiel Garay belted down the middle to keep the South Americans in contention.
Argentina were leading 2-1 at this moment after both having two chances used and Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero was to thank again when he bashed away Sneijder’s effort.
Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez dispatched each to guarantee Argentina victory despite Kuyt finding Netherlands’ second.
Lionel Messi was almost in tears as the four time Ballor d’or winner ran away to celebrate history in the making for the South American representatives.
Fulltime closed out goalless between the two sides as well as extra time although Alejandro Sabella’s side came close in the 75th minute, when Gonzalo Higuain stabbed the ball into the side netting.
As the rain fell in heavy doses in the second half, there was not much from either side until Robben had the first real opportunity for the dutch in the 90th minute. It was however stopped by Mascherano who stretched for a deflection in the area.
Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands will now take on hosts, Brazil in a playoff for third place in the tournament on Saturday while Germany meet Argentina who managed to stop their rivals in the absence of Angel Di Maria who sustained an injury against Belgium in the quarter finals.