FIFA World Cup 2014: Netherlands vs. Argentina In Pictures

The Netherlands were unable to bring out any tricks from under their sleeves as they went up against Argentina in the penalty shoot-out for a spot in the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Netherlands lost 4-2 on penalties after Argentina's keeper, Sergio Romero saved shots from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder in a result that is the complete opposite of Netherland's penalty shoot-out with Costa Rica in the previous round.

Louis Van Gall had used up his third substitute in extra time when he brought in Klaas Jan Huntelaar to replace Robin Van Persie in the hopes that the replacement will be the man that the team needed to score a goal and end the match before coming to penalties.

While it was true that the Dutch were able to attack in extra time, they were unable to break the solid Argentine defence. In the end, the score sheets were clean and Tim Krul, the Dutch replacement keeper who was brought in at the last minute against Costa Rica, would have no chance to make an appearance for the shoot-out.

It turns out, it was Argentina's Sergio Romero who was going to be the stand out keeper this time around by making two saves while Jasper Cillessen let all four Argentine shots go through.

The Dutch have fallen short of their runner-up finish in 2010 and they will now have to face a badly bruised and beaten Brazilian team in the battle for third place in Brasilia on July 12. Argentina meanwhile, will be facing Germany who are still on a high from their 7-1 massacre of Brazil. The final will be at the historic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.

Argentina 0-0 Netherlands

Argentina win on penalties 4-2

Date: July 9, 2014

Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo

Man of the Match: Sergio Romero (Argentina)

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT:

Netherlands:

2 Vlaar (Saved) 0-0

11 Robben (Goal) 1-1

10 Sneijder (Saved) 1-2

15 Kuyt (Goal) 2-3

Argentina: