Argentina are through to the World Cup Final after beating Holland on penalties in Sao Paulo last night.

A tense night was always on the cards, and so it proved. The Dutch welcomed back Nigel De Jong in to their team despite ruling him out of the tournament through injury last week, while Argentina had Sergio Aguero back amongst the subs. Angel Di Maria missed out, Robin Van Persie played despite a stomach upset in recent days.

The game itself was a tight affair. Argentina created the best of the chances, but the Dutch back four was immense, Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar a tower of strength as he continues to prove doubters wrong during the tournament.

Higuain was the biggest threat in front of goal, but the Argentinian striker seemed to mis-time runs and creep offside at key moments, while Lionel Messi started bright but faded as the game went on.

Holland played as much of a part as their opponents though and dominated long periods of possession. In the final seconds of normal time Mascherano denied Robben a chance on goal with a magnificent lunging tackle just yards from goal.

In extra-time, the Dutch dominated large periods, but the game was destined for penalties as both sides played at walking pace.

Louis Van Gaal had used all of his subs, so this time there was no introduction for goalkeeper Tim Krul as a sub. Instead, it would be down to Jesper Cillessen to prove himself capable of saving spot-kicks.

As it turned out, it wasn’t Cillessen or Holland’s night. Vlaar was strangely the first taker for Holland, his kick saved easily by Romero. Messi tucked away for Argentina as did Robben for Holland.

On the Dutch’s third kick, Sneijder’s effort was saved by Romero, and with Cillessen failing to keep out any Argentinian kicks, Kuyt successful penalty wasn’t enough as Argentina went through 4-2 on penalties.

Photo: Action Images

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