SAO PAULO, July 10 — Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella spoke of his “great joy” after his side beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in Sao Paulo today to reach the World Cup final.

“It’s a great joy. It was a very difficult, very close match,” said Sabella, whose side will face Germany in Monday’s final in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’m happy. We’re in the final. We’ll see what we can do with one day less recovery time (compared to Germany) and after penalties.

“Bu we’ll give everything: humility, hard work, 100 per cent. We’ll see if that’s enough for us to win.”

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero repelled penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder in the penalty shootout after a cagey stalemate finished 0-0 following extra time at the Corinthians Arena.

Argentina, chasing their third World Cup title, last reached the final in Italy in 1990, when they lost 1-0 to West Germany. — AFP