Relive Argentina's semi-final win over the Netherlands
Argentina player Maxi Rodriguez (left) celebrates with goalkeeper Sergio Romero after defeating the Netherlands. (Tim Groothuis, USA TODAY Sports)
After a cagey 120 minutes between two team playing not to lose, Argentina prevailed on penalties and will play Germany on Sunday at the famed Maracana.
Both sides employed cautionary tactics that effectively neutered the other team's stars. Lionel Messi was crowded out of the middle by the Dutch midfield and the supply to the Netherlands' dangerous strike duo of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie was cut off.
While a disappointing end, the Netherlands has to consider its run in this tournament a success after coming in with tempered expectations.
Argentina hasn't hit its stride yet, but results matter most in tournament play and it is 90 minutes away from what would be the greatest result in the countries footballing history. If that is to happen, the Albiceleste will have to be better in the final third. The defense, which has long been considered the team's weak point, has been Argentina's saving grace, but they have yet to play a team with Germany's talent on the ball.
Relive the chess match between two of the world's best teams below.
Maxi Rodriguez's penalty sends Argentina to Sunday's final! Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties.
PENALTIES:
Argentina:
Messi: Goal
Garay: Goal
Aguero: Goal
Rodriguez: Goal
Argentina get two good chances but fail to cash in
Palacio got free in the penalty box but can get his header past Cillessen. Maxi Rodriguez could beat the Dutch keeper, either, after a dangerous cross from Messi.
Here's the final stats after an rather uneventful 120 minutes:
| Argentina | Netherlands | |
| Shots (on goal) | 6 (2) | 6 (1) |
| Fouls | 10 | 14 |
| Possession | 44% | 56 %
Heading into the second half of extra time, and we're seeing more of the same. Barring an moment of inspiration (which is certainly possible with guys like Messi, Robben and Aguero on the pitch) this game is likely heading to penalties.
Alejandro Sabella needs to make an adjustment to create some space for Messi. He's had to drop deep or out wide just to get a touch, and it looks like it's wearing on the world's best player. Both teams make changes Maxi Rodriguez is on for Lavezzi and Klaas Jan Huntelaar has come on for van Persie. That means no Tim Krul for the Dutch if this game goes to penalties. In the 99th minute, the Dutch get their first shot on goal Arjen Robben cut inside and ripped a shot with his deadly left foot, but it was right at the Argentine goalkeeper. The final whistle blows and we're headed for extra time: Argentina 0-0 Netherlands Both teams are playing not to lose, which has made for a rather uninteresting (although very tense) semi-final. The Dutch have yet to put a shot on target, and Argentina haven't done much better. With the lottery of the penalty kicks looming, we could see the teams start pushing more for a win…hopefully. Robben comes close in stoppage time Brilliant combonation play between Sneijder and Robben frees up Robben in the box, but a desperate sliding tackle from Mascherano sends the ball out of play for a Dutch corner.  Netherlands' Arjen Robben (11) is tackled by Argentina's Javier Mascherano in the final minutes of regular time. (Fabrizio Bensch, AP Photo) Argentina makes a change Sergio Aguero is on for Gonzalo Higuain. Aguero is more capable of creating his own chances, something Argentina desperately needs at this point. The penalty box has been effectively shutdown by the Dutch backline, which has cutoff the service Higuain requires. GOOOOAA…nope Gonzalo Higuain found himself on the end of a cross and put it in the back of the net, but the flag was up and this game remains scoreless. The cross came from the right, which has been a trouble area for the Dutch all game. 
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Netherlands:
Vlaar: Saved
Robben: Goal
Sneijder: Saved
Kuyt: Goal
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