Argentina v Netherlands, 09 July 2014

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties. After extra time. Kick-off 5.00pm local (9.00pm BST). A repeat of the 1978 World Cup Final left each team just a game away from facing Germany in the 2014 version. Their win on home soil in Buenos Aires 36 years ago remained as Argentina's only win in eight attempts against the Netherlands but this meeting in Sao Paulo came on a significant day. Not only was it Independence Day in Argentina but it was also the day of the funeral of one of the country's greatest footballing sons - Alfredo Di Stefano. Having started the tournament with the astonishing 5-1 demolition of reigning champions Spain, the Dutch had reached their third semi-final in the last four World Cup finals. While the previous day’s semi-final between Brazil and Germany was settled in the first half-hour, a quiet start and overcast, dull weather gave early indication that this game would go the distance. As Argentina dictated the pace, the Dutch struggled to get into any rhythm. The previously impressive Van Persie and Robben were largely notable by their absence. A Lionel Messi free-kick that was comfortably held by Jasper Cillessen was the only meaningful attempt of a hugely disappointing first-half. With a place in the World Cup Final at stake, both teams’ cautious approach continued after the interval with rain falling more heavily also hindering any release of the tension. The trickle of goalmouth action virtually dried up as, to the neutral observer, the game descended into a genuine contender for the worst of the tournament. Extra-time was almost avoided only for Javier Mascerano to deny Arjen Robben with a vital last ditch challenge in the final minute of normal time. The first ninety minutes produced only two shots on target. Argentina keeper Sergio Romero made his first save in the 99th minute as the fear of making a mistake continued to dominate. Argentina sub Rodrigo Palacio had a great chance in the second-half of extra-time only to head weakly at the Dutch keeper before fellow sub Maxi Rodriguez failed to extend Cillessen when well placed. The first-ever goalless World Cup semi-final was duly decided by a penalty shoot-out. With the South Americans converting four out of four, two saves from Romero took Argentina through to their first World Cup Final since 1990 when they lost to West Germany. More significantly, they had reached Brazil's World Cup Final.