Argentina And Netherlands Decide World Cup Final Fate With Penalty Shoot-Out

The 2014 World Cup has been full of surprises, and it's also been different each and every night. Nobody can argue with that. In the first semi-final, Germany dominated and destroyed Brazil, winning 7-1. So, could we expect the same when Argentina and Netherlands went head-to-head in the other semi-final? As it turned out, we got the exact opposite. Both teams played 90 minutes without scoring, and did the same in extra-time, meaning their World Cup final fate would be decided via a penalty shoot-out. And it was Argentina, largely down to superstar Lionel Messi, that went on to win 4-2.

The battle between Messi and Arjen Robben of the Netherlands was an entertaining one, but both teams were able to stifle these main threats, making the game seem a bit dull in comparison the stunning Brazil-Germany encounter. Perhaps Argentina and Netherlands were frightened of a similar fate to the one Brazil suffered, and wanted to make it a tactical battle, not an all-out attacking display.

A first penalty save for Argentina gave them confidence. Up stepped the world's best player in Messi, and he made no mistake, giving Argentina the early penalty shoot-out advantage. Another Argentina save soon after ensured that Netherlands had 2 of their 3 shots saved. Argentina's star-studded takers didn't stop there, a Sergio Aguero strike meant that Dutch star Dirk Kuyt had to score, which he duly did.  But in the end, Argentina missed none of its penalty kicks, and will play Germany for the championship on Sunday.

Was this one of the most nerve-wrecking semi-finals in the history of the World Cup?  And who will win when Germany take on Argentina?