ANKARA
Argentina managed to topple the Netherlands by defeating them 4-2 on penalties in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash at Arena de Sao Paulo on Wednesday and advanced to the final.
Early in the game, conducted by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir, Argentine powerhouse Lionel Messi fired a free kick from outside the box but Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen saved it.
In the 24th minute Argentina wasted a chance in the penalty box. Zenit St Petersburg defender Ezequiel Garay headed the ball from corner kick but missed the target.
First half ended 0-0.
In the 75th minute Argentina were close to scoring once again but forward Gonzalo Higuain hit the side of the net.
In regular time neither of the sides were able to alter the score and the game went to 30 minutes of extra time.
In the 115th minute, Argentine forward Rodrigo Palacio tried put his side ahead but his header was saved by Cillessen.
After the extra time the match ended 0-0 so the winner had to be decided by penalties.
Argentina defeated Netherlands 4-2 on penalties. Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero played a remarkable role for his team during the penalty shootout by saving two penalties, ensuring he was elected man of the match.
Nicknamed as La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue), Argentina will take on Germany in the final on Sunday at Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro (16:00 Brazilian time).
Meanwhile the Netherlands will meet host nation Brazil in the third place match to be played on Saturday at 17:00 local time.
www.aa.com.tr/en
