ADVERTISEMENTArgentina set up a mouthwatering final clash with Germany after downing the Netherlands at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
From five goals in one half to just two shots on target after 90 minutes, the second semi-final failed to live up to expectations with key players unable to create clear cut chances.
Neither side could break the deadlock in regulation or extra time so off to the penalty spot they went to decide the winner.
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero produced a superb display to deny Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder, leaving former Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodríguez to score the last penalty and hand his side a 4-2 win.
Fatal collision
Argentine sports journalist Jorge Lopez was killed early on Wednesday after his taxi was hit by a stolen vehicle fleeing police, making him the second reporter from his country to die in a car crash in Brazil during the World Cup.
According to reports, the body of the 38-year-old was found flung outside his car.
This is the second journalist from Argentina that has been killed in a vehicle accident during the World Cup. On July 2, Maria Soledad Fernandez, the daughter of well-known Argentine TV personality Miguel “Titi” Fernandez, was killed in a car crash in Oliveira following the game between Argentina and Switzerland.
Sadness and anger
After Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany on Tuesday, sadness quickly turned to anger as unhappy fans and protesters took to the streets of Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
According to local authorities, at least 20 buses were destroyed and others were damaged in Sao Paulo.
The attacks came after Brazil’s record World Cup defeat, their first loss at home in 64 competitive matches since 1975. It was also the first time they had lost by six goals in any match since neighbours Uruguay outclassed them 6-0 in the Copa America in 1920.