Number Cruncher: Argentina make it four out of four in World Cup semis

Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties to advance to their first ever World Cup final since 1990 — here are the top stats from the match. - This was the first World Cup semifinal to ever finish 0-0. - Argentina reached their fifth World Cup final and their first in 24 years. They have won two (1978, 1986). - They have progressed from all four of their World Cup semi-finals. [caption id=“attachment_1611613” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Argentina reached their fifth World Cup final and their first in 24 years. They have won two (1978, 1986). AP[/caption] - The 2014 World Cup final will make Germany v Argentina the joint-most often played (7) fixture along with Brazil v Sweden. - Netherlands vs Argentina in numbers - Possession: 50%-50%, Shots: 7-8, Chances created: 4-7, Pass Accuracy: 86%-83%. - Lionel Messi completed 10 take-ons tonight, more than any other player on the pitch. - Messi has now competed in 92 international games for Argentina, one more than Diego Maradona (91). - Javier Mascherano’s game by numbers: 84% pass accuracy, 4 tackles won, 75% aerial duels, 3 interceptions, 2 blocks. - No sub for Argentina has bagged a goal at the 2014 World Cup so far; despite Alejandro Sabella using all 15 subs. - Ron Vlaar By Numbers: 100% tackles won, 100% aerial duels, 11 clearances, 6 interceptionsm 92% pass accuracy. - Arjen Robben attempted just one pass in the first half against Argentina. - This will be Germany’s third World Cup Final played outside of Europe. It lost the previous two (2002 vs Brazil in Japan & 1986 vs Argentina in Mexico). - Seven of the games at World Cup 2014 have gone to extra-time, the most since 1990, when eight did. - This will be the third time Argentina and Germany meet in the World Cup final. Germany won in 1990. Argentina won in 1986. - This was the fourth shootout at this World Cup, tying 1990 and 2006 for most in a single World Cup. - Since 1998 (Kluivert v Argentina) Netherlands haven’t scored in the opening 15 minutes of a WC match. - Netherlands becomes the first team to play back-to-back 0-0 draws in knockout stages in World Cup history. - Netherlands had 2 shots through 65 minutes, its fewest in a World Cup game in that time-frame in the last 50 years. - The Netherlands have never scored in extra time in a World Cup game (6 conceded in 5 games). - Netherlands have now been offside 23 times in the tournament, overtaking Belgium’s 22 and now in the lead in this statistical category. - Argentina is the only of the 32 teams at the 2014 World Cup that has not yet been behind in a match. Stats courtesy InfoStrada, Opta, Squawka, WhoScored and ESPN