Argentina will play in the World Cup final for the first time since 1990 after topping Holland 4-2 in penalties on a rainy Wednesday night at the Arena Corinthians Sao Paulo.

After a goalless 120 minutes, matters had to be resolved in a shootout where Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero stood tall with two saves to send his country through to face Germany in Sunday's final in Rio in what will be the teams' third meeting in a World Cup final. Argentina's last World Cup title came in 1986 when Diego Maradona led the Albiceleste to a 3-2 triumph over West Germany, a feat Messi will look to repeat on Sunday.

To start, Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella's 4-3-3 saw one major change with Enzo Pérez coming in for the injured Ángel di María in the middle three. Joining Pérez was Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia while in attack it was the trio of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Sergio Romero took his normal place in goal and was shielded by a back four of Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Ezequiel Garay and Marcos Rojo.

Dutch boss Louis van Gaal reverted back to his trusty 3-4-1-2 that saw Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben up top at striker. Wesley Sneijder assumed his duties as the No.10 in the attacking midfield while Dirk Kuyt, Daley Blind, Georginio Wijnaldum and Nigel De Jong formed the central midfield. In defense it was a three-man alignment of Bruno Martins Indi, Ron Vlaar and Stefan de Vrij in front of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.