In 120 minutes Argentina looked like the better side and indeed they were as they booked their spot in the final. This semi-final became the first World Cup semi-final to end 0-0, including extra-time. Argentina playing their first semi-final since 1990. Netherlands hoping to make it to their second consecutive World Cup final.
Argentina got their first chance at goal with a set piece at the edge of the penalty box. Messi with a chance but it landed in the Cillessen's hands.
Sneijder putting in good crosses but both teams were defending well.
For a while before halftime, both teams kept finding themselves in offside positions with the ball moving into each half. However, Argentina looked like they had the better chances in the first half. They troubled the Dutch defenders and goalkeeper more then their own were troubled.
Blind signalling with the players - a knock on the head, slight punch at the side of the abdomen and a knock at the inside of his foot.
The Netherlands brought in Darryl Janmaat at half time for Bruno Martins Indi.
Even when it started to rain, no side was willing to let it rain goals.
Higuain had a close shot at goal but only managed the side netting, but he was offside and off target anyway. Later he was sacrificed for Agüero who last played in their 3-2 victory over Nigeria.
It ended 0-0 and extra-time soon followed. Both teams had made all of their substitutions and they had their chances to take the lead but none could find the back of the net. The World Cup's fourth penalty shootout would soon follow if no one scored.
Argentina have never conceded in extra-time and the Netherlands have never scored in extra-time. Which meant Argentina had a better chance of scoring during extra-time.
Louis van Gaal had taken van Persie off which meant the Netherlands were down one penalty taker, even though Huntelaar would step up to the plate.
Palacio had the best chance to score the winning goal for Argentina inside extra-time but he gently headed it to Cillessen. Maxi Rodriguez also tested the goalkeeper but he managed to keep a clean sheet.
For the first time in 16 years, the semi-final will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Argentina will face Germany in the final on Sunday. While Brazil will face the Netherlands in the 3rd & 4th playoff on Saturday.
