"You don't get soft South Americans," says Lawro, who is proven right as Pablo Zabaleta comes back on. Bit of cotton wool in his mouth, and get on with it.

Image source, AFP

Pablo Zabaleta is down in a heap after another head-to-head challenge. And ouch! A shoulder to the jaw, he may have lost a tooth!

Steven Galloway, there's a certain type of football fan who love games like this. You are in company with our colleague Andy Cryer, who is loving this.

Al Mamun Russell:, external It now has been 227 minutes since the last goal scored by Netherlands. Don't deserve to be a finalist!

Steven F Galloway:, external I'd still much rather watch this semi-final. Last night's was over as a contest after 25 minutes. THAT'S boring.

Back under way.

Another lengthy team talk from the coaches, with Javier Mascherano taking a leading role in the Argentina huddle.

We are 15 minutes away from the shootout...

It's quarter past 11 on a work night. I applaud you for staying up.

"Ole, Ole, Ole Ole! Messi! Messi!" is the chant around the Arena de Sao Paulo as the crowd hope for the number 10 to do something to raise himself from the midfield mire.

Penalties are on the horizon. It's probably the only hope.

Image source, AFP

I rather unkindly suggested earlier in the tournament that a Dutch side containing Ron Vlaar could not be good enough to win the World Cup.

Mr. Vlaar, I apologise. You're the best player on the pitch. By a country mile.

The final change of the game and Liverpool fans from 2009-10 can enjoy the sight of Dirk Kuyt running at Maxi Rodriguez, who is on to replace Ezequiel Lavezzi.

SHOT ON TARGET! The Dutch have their first attempt on target in the 98th minute as Arjen Robben warms the palms of Sergio Romero from 30 yards.

Comfortable enough but at least it was an attempt.

Argentina have one change left, the Dutch are done.

I'm not going to lie to you, this is turgid stuff.

Image source, Getty Images

So no Tim Krul then as Louis van Gaal replaces Robin van Persie with Klaas Jan Huntelaar. That did the job against Mexico, can it work again?

Emma Cann:, external If this match was Test cricket, they'd be calling it 'one for the purists'.

James Gallagher:, external Brazil v Germany was like a 20-20 cricket classic, this has been a Mike Brearley - Geoff Boycott opening stand.

No. That's not the one, as Dirk Kuyt overcooks a cross from the left and out of play.

Lionel Messi's quest to join Pele and Diego Maradona at football's top table is taking a backward step this evening. Anonymous in the shadow of Ron Vlaar.

We are under way in extra time. Get the Horlicks on.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Sao Paulo

Image source, Epa

"Ninety minutes no-one will ever get back there. At least the prospect of the re-emergence of Netherlands substitute keeper Tim Krul for a possible penalty shootout adds extra intrigue to extra-time. And as far as Dutch coach Louis van Gaal is concerned his plan to subdue Lionel Messi - first with Nigel de Jong then Jordy Clasie - has worked so far. And what a performance in the Dutch defence from Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar."

Some Body:, external Arjen Robben! That penultimate touch took it away from him. Lost ticket to the final.

Will Scott:, external Pretty much every Dutch pass has been backwards. So negative from Netherlands.

Richard Lee:, external You can see the tension on the pitch. Come on Lionel Messi, show us your magic!

The Argentina players look fresher, if that means anything. Coach Alex Sabella has them in a huddle and is pointing to Lionel Messi a lot.

"Give the ball to him!"