Argentina defeat Netherlands and make it to final
Argentinas player celebrate after beating the Netherlands on the penalty shoot out of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Argentina at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo Brazil, Wednesday, J
After a tough match for both sides and no goals to be seen, Argentina secured their spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final match in the penalty shoot-out against the Netherlands. Argentina goalkeeper Romero proved to be the Albiceleste’s hero by saving twice. This breaks a period of 24 years in which his nation did not make it to a final. They are now set to face the same opponents who beat them 1-0 in 1990.
Moving back to the present, Argentina and the Netherlands showed a rather tame duel, with quite skillful saves, in spite of the good opportunities on both sides. Robben and Messi, the stars from each team, did not deliver the performance his fans expected. During the first half, a very energetic Argentina could be seen, with increasingly impressive skills and all the best opportunities in the first 45 minutes—like the one missed 13 minutes after the kickoff, with free-kick by Messi, saved by Cillessen. As for the Europeans’ number one weapon, Robben, there was nowhere he could go to shine.
After the half-time, the clash was still far from dynamic and moved away from midfield very little often. With well-marked strikers, both teams having a hard time attempting to threaten the adversary’s goalkeeper. Oranje fans were given a fright in the 29th minute, as Pérez skillfully crossed to Higuaí, who, in the goal area, struggled to try to score, but the net was hit from outside the goal.
The Oranje only seemed to fight back in the 45th minute, when Robben collected from Sneijder, dribbled his way into the area and shot, but the ball was saved. It was the last opportunity in before the inevitable extra-time started, in which the Europeans showed a bit more action, as Robben was closer to what was expected from him, but kicks proved to no avail and moves remained unfinished.
Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero proved the Albiceleste hero after saving Vlaar's and Sneijder's spot-kicks
Exhaustion and miscalculations did not help change the score, which kept goalless. It was the first time a semi-final match ends with no goals. Finally, after the clash moved to the penalty shoot-out, Albiceleste goalkeeper Romero had the chance to show what he is capable of and saved the first spot-kick, by Vlaar, and the third one, from Sneijder. All attempts from the Argentinian side were successful and the South Americans can now head for Rio de Janeiro, where the final duel will take place, next Sunday (Jul 13). A day before, in Brasília, Brazil meet the Netherlands for the third place.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Argentina defeat Netherlands and make it to final
