Netherlands vs. Argentina: Highlights from World Cup Semi-Final Match

Argentina advanced to the World Cup final after defeating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties when the match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes. 

Ron Vlaar was denied in the first spot kick by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero. 

"

Here's Ron Vlaar's missed penalty. #NED https://t.co/B4OkKqAKip

— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) July 9, 2014"

Lionel Messi then stepped up and beat Jasper Cillessen. 

"

Video: Penalty goal Messi https://t.co/FAVNYwh7Sr [via @saad_catalonia] #arg

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) July 9, 2014"

Arjen Robben converted for the Dutch to get things level again. 

"

GOLLL de Robben. 1-1 https://t.co/oiwwjNZIkG

— Actual Fútbol (@ActualFutbol) July 9, 2014"

Ezequiel Garay smashed his spot kick to the top right corner to put Argentina back in front. 

"

2- Penales: Garay anota. Holanda 1 - 2 Argentina https://t.co/HSq2n9tnri @tvmaxpanama

— Salva Saldaña Solano (@Sess07) July 9, 2014"

Wesley Sneijder was denied by an excellent save from Romero to keep Argentina in front. 

"

#ARG keeper #Romero the hero. #Sneijder for #NED the villain #NEDARG https://t.co/1xIzTaNjlH

— Yahoo Singapore (@YahooSG) July 9, 2014"

Sergio Aguero converted to put Argentina in a commanding position. 

"

#Aguero scores #ARG https://t.co/4HkVp40fgl

— Sernur (@SernurY) July 9, 2014"

Dirk Kuyt scored to keep the Netherlands' faint hopes alive. 

"

GOLLLLL de Kuyt. 3-2 https://t.co/phP3iwZFaC

— Actual Fútbol (@ActualFutbol) July 9, 2014"

Maxi Rodriguez hit his effort to send Argentina to the final, and the party was on. 

"

Here’s the PK by Maxi Rodriguez that sent Argentina to the World Cup Final: https://t.co/RBBy25dswn

— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 9, 2014"

Messi had the first opportunity of the match in the 15th minute, but Cillessen saved his powerful free-kick that beat the Dutch wall. 

"

#WorldCup reGIF: Another look at Messi's free kick saved by #NED. http://t.co/RbmoqXvFGG

— MashableLIVE (@MashableLive) July 9, 2014"

Cillessen also showed off a bit of skill against an on-rushing Gonzalo Higuain, turning the Napoli man. 

"

People often ask me why Louis van Gaal prefers Cillessen over Vorm and Krul. This is why RT @SamCaddy https://t.co/HadzPLCoQE

— Elko Born (@Elko_B) July 9, 2014"

Garay took a boot straight to the face in the 24th minute. 

"

Ouch. http://t.co/1a4KFJA0lV https://t.co/Ut9EqOHi9E

— SB Nation Soccer (@SBNationSoccer) July 9, 2014"

Higuain had the best chance of the second half, but his attempt was ruled offside (incorrectly) and hit the side netting. 

"

VINE: Gonzalo Higuaín comes very close to giving Argentina the lead. #NED #ARG http://t.co/hHl4ECjlO4

— 2014 World Cup (@2014WC_Brazil) July 9, 2014"

Robben nearly gave the Dutch a late win, but Javier Mascherano's last-ditch tackle kept things level at 0-0. 

"

Mascherano . . . Like a boss! http://t.co/5cEntNJ5nE

— Unibet (@unibet) July 9, 2014"

Rodrigo Palacio had the best chance of the map deep in extra time, but Cillessen was up to the task in snatching his header attempt. 

"

Chance of the game so far http://t.co/e0ruO4pBPk

— Football Vines (@FootballVines) July 9, 2014"