Argentina and Netherlands set up Semi-Final Clash | FIFA World Cup 2014

Related Articles

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semifinals after a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brasilia.

Gonzalo Higuain's excellent early strike provided the foundation for Argentina to win 1-0 and make it to the last four for the first time since 1990, when they finished runners-up.

Higuain for once outshone Lionel Messi, but the Barcelona star also provided a constant threat that kept Marc Wilmot's Belgium side on the back foot.

[youtube height=”500″ width=”800″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Hc7gDe5Wg[/youtube]

Netherlands' substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul dramatically made two saves in a penalty shootout against Costa Rica to carry his side into the semifinals of the World Cup.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal brought the Newcastle keeper on for Jasper Cillessen late in extra time after a goalless 120 minutes in Salvador on Saturday, and the decision paid off handsomely.

Krul denied Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana while the Dutch converted all of their spot-kicks to set up a meeting with Argentina in the last four.

Netherlands had numerous chances to score before spot-kicks were required but were denied by Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to start and was named man of the match.

The Oranje also hit the woodwork three times, including in the last minute of normal time when Robin van Persie's shot was deflected onto the crossbar by defender Yeltsin Tejeda on the goalline.

Borges, Gonzalez and Bolanos did manage to beat Krul but Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt's successful kicks were enough for Netherlands.

[divider scroll_text=”Back To Top”]

HomeSportsFootballArgentina and Netherlands set up Semi-Final Clash | FIFA World Cup 2014