Wednesday 9 July 2014
FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina vs Netherlands
Sergio Romero inspired Argentina to a 4-2 victory over the Netherlands on penalties and FIFA World Cup Final for the first time since 1990.
After 120 goalless minutes in Sao Paulo, the 27-year-old Romero repelled Ron Vlaar’s spot-kick before making a stunning save from Wesley Sneijder to send the Argentines into a showdown with Germany at the Maracana for the Trophy.
The first half was a very tense, chance-shy affair. Messi had Argentina’s best opportunity, with a centrally-positioned free-kick from the edge of the box, but he curled it straight into the hands of the Netherlands' goalkeeper Jasper Callisen.
Ezequiel Gonzalez bravely ducked his head between flying boots from a corner, but the he was unable to keep his effort down, while the sliding Ron Vlaar did well to intercept a low Ezequiel Lavezzi cross before Gonzalo Higuain could pounce on the chance.
The Netherlands, however, struggled to get the ball to danger man Arjen Robben and failed to force Sergio Romero into a save before the half-time.
