World Cup: Argentina, Netherlands through to semi-finals

MANILA, Philippines – Argentina are through to the last four of the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Gonzalo Higuain’s superb strike in the seventh minute secured a nervy 1-0 win for Argentina against Belgium. Meanwhile, the Netherlands also advanced after beating Costa Rica, 4-3, in a penalty shootout. Costa Rica, with the excellent Keylor Navas in goal, held out for 120 minutes against a dominant Dutch team. With extra time almost up, Netherlands introduced substitute goal-keeper Tim Krul just for the shootout. Krul twice dived low to his left to thwart efforts from Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umanya, while the Dutch converted all four of their penalties. Argentina and the Netherlands will meet in the semi-finals. -- News Now, ANC, July 6, 2014.