Argentina into World Cup semi-final after beating Netherlands on penalties – as it happened

Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream is still alive after Argentina finally overcame the Netherlands in a dramatic, ill-tempered classic

“This isn’t unique; Brazil never met Argentina in a semi-final,” writes Tenaiji. “Yeah, it happened twice 1974 & 1982, both in Brazil’s favour, but they were playing in a group game following the first round.”

Don’t forget the goalless kickfest in 1978 – that was probably the closest to a semi-final, as a win for either team would have left them needing one point in the last game to reach the final.

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