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Argentina are just 90 minutes away from lifting the World Cup in the Maracana after they edged past Holland on penalties in Wednesday's semi-final at the Arena Corinthians.
Argentina did not miss once and Sergio Romero saved from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder, meaning Alejandro Sabella's team clinched the showdown 4-2.
Argentina will now face Germany in Sunday's World Cup final at the Maracana - the spiritual home of their fierce rivals Brazil, who were brutally knocked out by Germany on Tuesday night.
The last time the Argentines made it through to the final in 1990, they lost to the Germans.
Germany, who battered Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horizonte, will take encouragement from watching this performance from Sabella's side.
But who was the star of the show?
Click the gallery below to find out
Show all 22 1 /22Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Jasper Cillessen Kept starting place after being taken off for Saturday’s spot-kicks. Held on to a Messi free-kick and displayed fine turn of feet but had little to do. Didn't save a penalty. 6/10
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Ron Vlaar Aston Villa man came through injury worry and was strong as he relished physical battle in the rain. Positionally superb and put his body on the line. Weak penalty was saved in the shootout. 8
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Bruno Martins Indi Offered further muscle at the back and often resorted to pulls and checks to stop danger of Messi. Booked and replaced at the break by Janmaat. 5
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Stefan de Vrij Has come of age in these finals and continued to display calm authority in a defensive match. Strong challenge on Lavezzi went unpunished. 7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Dirk Kuyt Mr Utility was switched to the right on his 102nd appearance for the national side. Adapted well and shut out Messi before moving over to the left. 6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum Clashed heads with Mascherano but again unable to bring domestic form to international scene. All too often wasted momentum of Dutch attacks. 5
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Daley Blind Struggled to repel Argentina attacks down his side before being moved further back after the break as coach Louis van Gaal reshuffled.6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Nigel de Jong Brought back into side a week after being ruled out of tournament. Did a fine job on containing Messi, keeping on the right side of the law – just. 7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Wesley Sneijder Minimal impact on proceedings before the break and left field briefly for treatment. Failed to trouble Romero with free-kick after interval. Had his penalty saved in the shootout. 6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Arjen Robben Flying Dutchman was grounded before break, touching the ball just six times. Improved in second half; denied at the last by Mascherano’s challenge.6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Robin van Persie Was he ever likely not to make the match? Just beaten to ball by Garay when poised to go clear but often left marooned up front. Hooked over.6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Sergio Romero Made strong clearances after Dutch took time to find their feet. Liked to punch rather than catch but was confident. Was the hero in the shootout. 7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Pablo Zabaleta Eager to advance but struggled to penetrate massed defence. Sprayed wide to Lavezzi to spark attack but gave away one dangerous free-kick.7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Marcos Rojo Returned after missing win over Belgium through suspension. Got forward well but overhit ball at times. Late shot claimed easily by Cillessen.7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Ezequiel Garay Displayed bravery in heading over from close range in midst of Vlaar’s swinging foot. Cleared well from Van Persie and equally adept with just the one boot.7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Martin Demichelis Manchester City stopper escaped card for swipe at Sneijder before being booked for holding Robben back. Has had a fine tournament.8
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Javier Mascherano Fell back to allow Rojo and Zabaleta forward. Left sprawled out after clash of heads with Wijnaldum. Sublime saving tackle on Robben late on.8
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Lucas Biglia Snuffed out danger as Robben broke free early in the second period. Crunching tackle on Janmaat ended with Lazio man clutching his arm.6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Enzo Perez In-demand Benfica maestro was quick to settle and buzzed around Dutch penalty area in impressive display. Inswinging cross wasted by Higuain.7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Ezequiel Lavezzi Delivered fine cross that Higuain was unable to reach. Lively down the right and was Argentina’s main threat without producing telling final7
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Lionel Messi Fired free-kick straight at Cillessen but shadowed by Nigel de Jong. Sent fine ball to Perez before ballooning over and faded badly after interval.6
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Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 player ratings Gonzalo Higuain Caught offside too easily and beaten to header by Janmaat. Had to work hard to get any joy out Vlaar and stabbed into side netting from close range.5
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