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19 March 2024

Fifa World Cup 2014 semifinal: Argentina knock out Netherlands 4-2 on penalties to make final

Published
By Football Correspondent and Agencies

Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup final after a dire two hours of defense-dominated football failed to provide a semi-final goal for the first time in the tournament's history on Wednesday.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved Ron Vlaar's first penalty then made a superb diving save to deny Wesley Sneijder, allowing Maxi Rodriguez to crash home the decisive kick as his side converted all four of their penalties.

The game was a forgettable one as the Dutch struggled to build any meaningful attacks and completed 90 minutes without a shot on target as Arjen Robben's last-minute effort was brilliantly blocked by Javier Mascherano.

Argentina were not much more adventurous and had only a handful of half-chances to their name as, in total contrast to Tuesday's match when Germany waltzed through a wide open Brazil to win 7-1, both defenses were absolutely on top.

In Sunday's final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro Argentina will play Germany in a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 finals - the first time the same two teams will have faced each other three times in the decider.

The Netherlands will play Brazil in the third-place playoff in Brasilia on Saturday.

The drab match was the polar opposite of Germany's 7-1 annihilation of Brazil in the first semi-final 24 hours earlier. But Romero, who barely played for his Monaco club side last season settled matters by repelling spot-kicks from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder.

It was the second time that Holland, who lost the 2010 final to Spain, were beaten on penalties in a World Cup semifinal. They fell to Brazil in 1998.

"We have given everything and I'm incredibly proud of this team," Dutch star striker Arjen Robben said after.

"It came down to penalties and they simply did better," he told Dutch broadcaster NOS. "To lose like this simply sucks, it hurts."

The result was particularly cruel for Vlaar, who marshalled his defence imperiously throughout the game.

Messi had no answer to the Aston Villa centre-back's decisive interceptions, but the Barcelona superstar can nonetheless still hope to confirm his greatness in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday when he appears in his first World Cup final.

Although reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul had saved two penalties in Holland's shootout success against Costa Rica in the quarter-finals, coach Louis van Gaal kept faith in Jasper Cillessen this time.

Romero's saves from Vlaar and Sneijder put Argentina in a commanding position and with Messi, Ezequiel Garay and Sergio Aguero all scoring, it was left to Maxi Rodriguez to dispatch the spot-kick that sent Argentina into the final.

It was only Argentina's second win over the Netherlands in nine attempts - their first since the 1978 World Cup final - and it enabled Messi and his team-mates to pay appropriate homage to Argentine great Alfredo Di Stefano, who died on Monday aged 88.

Ten days after effectively being ruled out of the tournament with a torn groin muscle, Nigel de Jong made a sensational return to the Dutch midfield on a cool, overcast evening in Sao Paulo.

The AC Milan enforcer quickly set about tracking Messi the length and breadth of the pitch, but it was Argentina who enjoyed the best of the first half.

Messi fired a free-kick through the Dutch wall but it was stopped by Cillessen, while Ezequiel Garay headed over at a corner.

Van Gaal sent on Daryl Janmaat for Bruno Martins Indi at half-time, while de Jong soldiered on until the 62nd minute before giving way for Jordy Clasie, who came on to make his first appearance in Brazil.

As a steady rain began to fall, the game settled into a disjointed rhythm, with Argentina continuing to look the more threatening side.

Enzo Perez, deputising for the injured Angel di Maria, was a steady source of enterprise and he almost teed up Gonzalo Higuain for the opener with a glorious cross that the Napoli man poked into the side-netting.

Sabella sent on Rodrigo Palacio and the fit-again Aguero towards the end of normal time, but his side only made it to extra time thanks to a sensational sliding block by Javier Mascherano to deny Robben on the stroke of full-time.

Van Gaal had triumphed by bringing Krul on for the penalty shootout against Costa Rica, but this time he turned to striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who replaced the shot-shy Robin van Persie.

Holland belatedly registered a shot on target in the 99th minute, Romero saving from Robben.

Palacio and Maxi Rodriguez both squandered chances late in extra time for Argentina, but thanks to Romero, it mattered not.

PENALTY SHOOTOUT

Netherlands 2 Argentina 4 (on penalties)

Maxi Rodriguez scores and Argentina are in the final 

Netherlands 2 Argentina 3

Kuyt scores

Netherlands 1 Argentina 3

Aguero scores

Netherlands 1 Argentina 2

Sneijder's shot is saved

Netherlands 1 Argentina 2

Ezequiel Garay b \lasts it in

Netherlands 1 Argentina 1

Robben scores

Netherlands 0 Argentina 1

Messi sends Cillessen the wrong way

Netherlands 0 Argentina 0

Vlaar's shot is saved by Romero

Time for penalties

FULL-TIME  (ET)

Argentina 0 Netherlands 0

90+30" No result as yet as referee blows the long whistle.

90+27" Argentina threaten again as Messi's cross comes to Rodriguez whose shot is weak.

90+25" What a chance Palacio squandered here. His header was too weak else with only Cillessesn at his mercy he should have scored.

90+23" Time ticking away as penalties loom.

90+18" Looks like only penalties can decide the fate of this match as Hugo Campagnaro takes an aimless swipe.

90+16" A nasty tackle by Kuyt on Zabaleta sees the Argentinian fall on his back and hit his head on the ground.

Extra-Time (First-Half)

Argentina 0 Netherlands 0

90+15" The whistle goes off and still the dealock is not broken.

90+13" Messi free-kick is punched away to safety by Cillessen. Then Palacio cross goes abegging as Aguero is late to it.

90+9" Argentina make their third substitution replacing Lavezzi with Maxi Rodriguez.

90+8" Robben dribbles past two defenders and shoots but the ball is low and straight into the gloves of Romero.

90+5" Persie who had a forgettable match is taken off and in comes Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

90+2" Messi is kept in check. The Dutch are pushing more into the Argentine territory. 

Argentina and the Netherlands failed to break the stalemate after 90 minutes of some dull and drab footballl in the second semi-final of the 2014 World Cup at the Arena de Sao Paulo stadium in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night.

Full-Time

Argentina 0 Netherlands 0

93" The long whistle goes off and time for another 30 minutes.
 
90" Robben is close to winning it for Netherlands. He is clear in the box but Mascherano comes to Argentina's rescue from nowhere to block Robben's shot. What a turnaround this could be.

87" We seem to be heading for extra time.

85" Rojo clears a low header in the box to avoid danger.

82" Marcos Rojo tries to catch Cillessen off guard with a long range shot but the goalkeeper is alert.

79" Argentina makes another two substitutions. Sergio Aguero and Rodrigo Palacio comes in for Higuain and Perez.

76" Is it nerves or what. Sneijder shoots his free-kick way out.

75" On the other side Higuain comes close to scoring but finds the side netting from a Perez cross. The pace picking up now.

74" Finally a worthwhile shot at the Argentina goal but Van persie is off-side.

72" Messi again makes a mess with a free-kick which is targeted in no man's land.

70" Vlaar again stands like a pillar in front of a Lavezzi crack. Brazil needed someone like him to avoid the humiliation against Germany.

68" Raincoats are out in the stands. With the match failing to live up to expectations the crowd seems to be enjoying the rains.

65" This semi-final is certainly lacking some spark despite big names on both sides.

63" It has started raining which could liven up proceedings here and prove a deciding factor.

61" Biglia is wincing in pain after a clash of knees with Janmaat. Luckily no booking.

59" Nigel de Jong is replaced by Jordie Clasie.

57" Lavezzi dinks the ball into the box but before Higuain can get his head to it Janmaat is there standing tall.

55" Perez makes a dash and finds Messi. The star striker looks for space but is denied by Ron Vlaar. Good defending there by the Dutchman to frustrate Messi.

53" No quarter given by any side which is resulting in some mundane stuff.

50" Good long ball from Mascherano and Messi darted through but was pulled up for off-side as Cillessen left his charge and came rushing out.

48" YELLOW! Demichellis is cautioned after a tackle on Robben.

46" Netherlands make the first change during the breather bringing in Daryl Janmaat for Martins Indi.

Argentina and the Netherlands failed to break the deadlock after the first half in the second semi-final of the 2014 World Cup at the Arena de Sao Paulo stadium in Sao Paulo.

Argentina were better of the two with Lavezzi, Higuain and Messi trying hard but are finding it hard to break the Dutch defence.

On the other hand Van Persie and Robben have yet to make their presence felt with Sneijder trying to create something out of the ordinary. But lack of ideas has so far drawn only jeers and whistles from the crowd.

Half-Time

Argentina 0 Netherlands 0

45+1" Good chance here as Messi finds Rojo and he ties a long shot in a bid to beat advancing Cillessen but his shot misses the target.

45" Two minutes of stoopage time added.

43" YELLOW! Martins Indi is finally booked for another tackle on Messi.

40" The crowds getting a little restless. Netherlands get a free-kick but it's too far for Sneijder to take a direct shot. He chips it tinto the box but no danger.

37" Sneijder limps off for a while. Could be a cramp. Van Gaal watches closely but there's no need for panic as Sneijder is back on the field.

34" Lavezzi has exposed the left side of the Dutch with another good run and crosses for Higuain but Ron Vlaar stretches to block him.

31" Argentina goalkeeper Romero is finally tested with a corner kick from Sneijder which he punches out but the ball lands again in Sneijder's feet and he gives it another shot only for Romero to do better by clearing it afar this time.

30" Half an hour of play gone and we are yet to see either team's citadel crashing.

28" Mascherano gets a knock on the head after a heading duel with Georgino Wijnaldum and requires attention. He sems in a daze but after going out for a few minutes is back in action

25" Keeping in mind how Brazil had already conceded 5 goals by this time yesterday, both Argentina and Netherlands are playing cautiously here.

23" Lavezzi corner kick and Garay lunges forward for a header which he connect but over the crosspiece.

20" After the first 20 minutes Argentina have more of the ball and also tested goalkeeper Cillessen , while Robben and Persie are yet to trouble Romero.

17" Lavezzi puts Higuain in front of goal but his shot is blocked by Daley Blind and Argentina get their first corner but to no avail.

13" Hopes were high when Argentina won a free-kick just outside the Dutch box and Messi stepped up to take it. He did find the gap through the wall  of defenders but could not beat Cillessen.

12" Robben is again nicely tackled by Mascherano but his clearance goes to unmarked Sneijder who has a first-time shot which is wide. 

10" A free-kick from 25 yards by Lavezzi is headed by Persie. The ball goes high and before it can land Perez has a shot which is off target.

8" Messi and Higuain work their way into the Holland danger zone and Messi is brought down but referee continues play.

5" Zabaleta does well to deprive Robben from crossing in the box.

4" Argentina showing good ball control and passing in the initial stages with Higuain gaining in confidence.

2" Perez makes a good solo run but the Dutch defence is firm.

Argentina set the game rolling with the kick-off. 

Both teams line up for their respective country's anthems.

Handshakes between Messi and the Dutch coach Louis van Gaal in the tunnel with Patrick Kluivert too joining in. 

We are just 10 minutes away from the kick-off of the second semi-final between Argentina and Netherlands. The Arena de Sao Paulo stadium is covered in orange on one side and light blue on the other.

The Netherlands team is out in the middle for a light workout. Robben does some juggling with the ball, while Persie does some jogging around. He seems in some discomfort.

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong was named in the starting line-up to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, completing a remarkable recovery after straining his groin muscle in the last-16 game against Mexico on June 29.

The experienced 29-year-old had been a doubt for the rest of the tournament but he replaced forward Memphis Depay, who started the quarter-final against Costa Rica, suggesting that coach Louis van Gaal will use a 5-3-2 formation.

Striker Robin Van Persie also starts despite suffering from stomach problems before the game.

As expected, Argentina made two changes to the team who beat Belgium in the quarter-final.

Enzo Perez comes in to replace the injured Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo takes the place of Jose Basanta.

TEAMS

Teams for Wednesday's 2014 World Cup semi-final match between Netherlands and Argentina at the Corinthians arena, Sao Paulo.

Netherlands: 1-Jasper Cillessen; 3-Stefan de Vrij, 2-Ron Vlaar, 4-Bruno Martins Indi, 15-Dirk Kuyt, 5-Daley Blind; 6-Nigel de Jong, 11-Arjen Robben, 20-Georginio Wijnaldum, 10-Wesley Sneijder; 9-Robin van Persie

Substitutes: 7-Daryl Janmaat, 8-Jonathan de Guzman, 12-Paul Verhaegh, 13-Joel Veltman, 14-Terence Kongolo, 16-Jordy Clasie, 17-Jeremain Lens, 18-Leroy Fer, 19-Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 21-Memphis Depay, 22-Michel Vorm, 23-Tim Krul

Argentina: 1-Sergio Romero; 4-Pablo Zabaleta, 15-Martin Demichelis, 2-Ezequiel Garay, 16-Marcos Rojo; 14-Javier Mascherano, 6-Lucas Biglia, 8-Enzo Perez, 10-Lionel Messi; 22-Ezequiel Lavezzi, 9-Gonzalo Higuain

Substitutes: 3–Hugo Campagnaro, 5–Fernando Gago, 7–Angel Di Maria, 11–Maxi Rodriguez, 12–Agustin Orion, 13–Augusto Fernandez, 17–Frederico Fernandez, 18–Rodrigo Palacio, 19–Ricky Alvarez, 20–Sergio Aguero, 21–Mariano Andujar, 23–Jose Basanta

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)

FIVE FAST FACTS

> Argentina’s only victory over Holland came in the 1978 World Cup final. In front of a home crowd, Argentina won 3-1 after extra time.

Mario Kempes scored twice to secure tournament top scorer honours and Daniel Bertoni provided the final accolade.

Dick Nanninga’s header for Holland sent the match into extra time.

> The Olympic teams of these countries met at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Nine Argentina players in their 2008 Olympic squad are in their 2014 World Cup squad: Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando Gago, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Ángel Di María, Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Sergio Romero.

The Dutch return only one player from their 2008 Olympic squad: Jonathan de Guzmán.

> Netherlands have a chance to exact revenge on all three teams that defeated them in a World Cup final at the 2014 World Cup. They beat Spain already and now face Argentina.

The Dutch could meet Germany in the final.

> Argentina is the only team that have won all of their matches at the 2014 World Cup. They have won all of their five matches in this tournament by a one-goal margin.

> Lionel Messi has played 91 international matches for Argentina. He is ranked joint-sixth in Argentina team history, equal with Diego Maradona.

PREVIEW

After Germany's stunning demolition of hosts Brazil on Tuesday, Lionel Messi's Argentina will seek to join the Europeans in the final when they take on 2010 runners-up the Netherlands in Sao Paulo later on Wednesday.

Four-times World Player of the Year Messi has scored four goals en route to the last four and after Brazil's exit Argentine will be greedily eyeing a possible clash with the Germans at the legendary Maracana stadium on Sunday.

The Dutch began their campaign with a 5-1 drubbing of holders Spain and will be looking to their talisman Arjen Robben, who has three goals at the finals, to help break down a well-drilled Argentine defence.

After their blistering start, Louis van Gaal's side have cut it fine on the way to the semi-finals and needed a penalty shootout to get past Costa Rica in the last eight having only beaten Mexico by a controversial last-minute penalty in the previous round.

PRESSURE OFF

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella sought to take the pressure off his side going into Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands in Sao Paulo, claiming that they had 'already won'.

"Our intention was to go as far as possible, and to try to get in among the best four teams. Having reached this stage, we will never settle for losing now, but for me this group of players have already won," Sabella said.

Argentina are preparing to play their first World Cup semi-final in 24 years, since Diego Maradona's side reached the final in Italy in 1990.

Then they lost 1-0 to West Germany in the final, and the Germans lie in wait this time after their stunning 7-1 defeat of Brazil in Belo Horizonte.

"We have already crossed the threshold, but now we will try to go a bit further and take another small step forward," Sabella added ahead of a match that will be played on Argentina's National Day, the anniversary of the country's declaration of independence.

Argentina have reached this stage with five wins in their five matches so far, all of them by a one-goal margin.

That run includes a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in Sao Paulo in the last 16, when they required an Angel di Maria goal to clinch the win late in extra time.

Di Maria has been excellent for Argentina, but he will miss the match due to a thigh injury, robbing Sabella of vital attacking thrust in midfield.

Benfica's Enzo Perez is likely to start, having come on in Di Maria's place in last Saturday's 1-0 quarter-final success against Belgium.

"I always said Di Maria was extremely important. He brings balance to the side, can perform various different jobs and associates well with (Lionel) Messi," said the coach of the Real Madrid man.

"He has won the Champions League and all of Europe wants him in their side.

"We have to adapt to the circumstances and the moment. Perez was the player of the year in Portugal. He has different characteristics, but he is a dynamic player and occupies the spaces well."

AGUERO READY


Sabella, who delayed the start of his squad's training session at the Corinthians Arena by half an hour to allow his players to watch the end of the first semi-final, is also set to welcome back Marcos Rojo at left-back.

He is available again after suspension, so Jose Maria Basanta will drop out to make way, while Sergio Aguero will probably be among the substitutes despite having shaken off a thigh problem.

"He is better. We will see what the circumstances of the match are and if we need him, but obviously he is ready," said the coach of the Manchester City man.

Argentina must get the better of a Dutch side who have impressed on their run to the last four, with coach Louis van Gaal showing himself to be one of the wiliest tacticians in the business.

Sabella warned his side to be wary of the Netherlands' threat on the counter-attack, especially with the Oranje boasting the devastating pace on the ball of Arjen Robben, and also heaped praise on Van Gaal.

"They have a brilliant coach. He has shown throughout his career that he is capable of changing his team's tactical set-up," said Sabella. "He is a very intelligent person."