Here is a recap of Day 26 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
ARGENTINA 0 NETHERLANDS 0 (Argentina advance 4-2 on penalties)
Argentina reached the World Cup final for the first time since 1990 by defeating the Netherlands 4-2 in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless 120 minutes.
Albiceleste goalkeeper Sergio Romero made a pair of saves during the shootout to give the South Americans the lead before Maxi Rodriguez buried his effort in the fourth round to seal the victory for the two-time World Cup champions. With the victory, Argentina qualifies for their fifth-ever World Cup final.
The match was a cagey affair for 120 minutes as chances came at a premium for both sides. Argentina came closest in the 76th minute when Gonzalo Higuain struck the side netting after a fantastic cross from Enzo Perez. With neither side able to score, the rematch of the 1978 World Cup final went to penalty kicks where Romero saved efforts by Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder, setting up Rodriguez’s effort, which he buried.
The Albiceleste will now take on Germany in a rematch of the 1990 and 1986 World Cup finals at the world-famous Estadio Maracana at 1:00 p.m. PT. Meanwhile, the Netherlands will face Brazil in the third place game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
