After the magical performance by the Germans in the first semi-finals against host Brazil, where they humiliated them with a 7-1 thrashing, many were expecting a good game in the second semi-finals. The game took place on July 9 at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo. However, both Argentina and Netherlands decided to play it safe as they hardly attacked each other’s goal. In the end, they played out a 0-0 draw, which ultimately led to a penalty shootout. Argentina finally prevailed with a 4-2 victory.
There was nothing in the game with both sides playing defensively. It was only during the dying moments of the second half that Argentina tried to attack with Lionel Messi getting a clear shot at the goal, but the Dutch goalie Cillessen managed to hold on to the ball. After the end of the extra time, it seemed that both teams were happy that the match was going to be decided by penalty shootout as they were confident enough to perform well.
This time though Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal decided not to bring in Tim Krul for the penalties like he did in the quarters against Costa Rica and he decided to stick with his regular keeper Cillessen. The Dutch started off first, but Ron Vlaar couldn’t score as Argentine goalie Sergio Romero managed to save. Veteran dutch player Wesley Sneijder also missed his penalty as Romero saved his shot as well.
On the other hand, all the four Argentinian players Lionel Messi, Maxi Rodriguez, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Garay scored to take Argentina to the finals for the first time in 24 years. The finals will be now held on July13 at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium where Argentina will face the mighty Germany.
The Dutch will now play the Brazilians in an inconsequential 3rd place play-offs on July 12 at the World Cup 2014.