(AFP) – Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Sao Paulo on Wednesday to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1990.

Argentina’s players cheer each other after extra time of the semi-final football match between Netherlands and Argentina of the FIFA World Cup at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved penalties by Wesley Sneijder and Ron Vlaar to take his side through.

The two sides were goalless after extra time.

The South Americans play Germany in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Penalties were required after the two sides were goalless after extra time, the first ever World Cup semi-final to produce no goals after 120 minutes.

Argentina went through after Maxi Rodriguez converted their fourth and decisive spot-kick to add to those converted by Messi, Ezequiel Garay and Sergio Aguero.

This will be the third time Argentina have faced Germany in the World Cup final after 1986 and 1990.