Argentina reached the World Cup final courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Holland in tonight’s last-four clash.
The contest ended goalless after 120 minutes of cagey football which produced few clear-cut chances.
In the dreaded shoot-out Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero denied Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar before talisman Lionel Messi slotted home.
Holland wideman Arjen Robben netted, as did opponent Ezequiel Garay, but midfield man Wesley Sneijder saw his effort palmed away by Romero.
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero coolly dispatched his effort prior to ex-Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt holding his nerve.
Substitute Maxi Rodriguez, a former Reds team-mate of Kuyt’s, put Argentina through to Sunday’s showdown with Germany.
Both defences dominated proceedings beforehand, with Vlaar and Manchester City’s Martin Demichemis catching the eye at opposite ends of the pitch.
Messi only managed to produce his brilliance in flashes, and the same applied to Robben for Louis van Gaal’s side.
Robben broke clear in added time, but his shot was blocked by Javier Mascherano to ensure the game went to extra-time.
Substitute Rodrigo Palacios had the best chance in extra-time, but headed straight at goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen from close range.
It did not matter, though, as Argentina edged past their opponents.