Argentina Defeats Netherlands, Reaches World Cup Finals

Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen sits dejected on the pitch as Argentina`s players celebrate after their team won the penalty shoot-out of the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi final match between the Netherlands and Argentina. Photo by EPA/SRDJAN SUKI.

Argentina will meet Germany in World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday after winning a penalty shootout with 4:2 to eliminate the Netherlands.

With the score locked at 0-0 after extra time, Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero was the hero, saving kicks from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to take his country into the final for the first time since 1990.

Maxi Rodriguez converted the fourth and ultimately decisive penalty for Argentina and the Netherlands fell short again, having also lost on spot kicks in the 1998 semifinal while finishing as runners-up on three occasions.

The Netherlands will face host Brazil on Saturday in the third-place game.

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