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The best and worst of Brazil 2014

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7) Argentina defence

Javier Mascherano makes the defining challenge of the World Cup semi-final, on Arjen Robben, ahead of Argentina's penalty shoot-out victory.

Long ridiculed as their weakness, the Albileceleste's defence has improved as the tournament has progressed. In the past two matches, coach Alejandro Sabella has settled on the center-half pairing of Martin Demichelis and Ezequiel Garay. On both occasions - against the Netherlands and Belgium - Argentina have kept clean sheets. In fact, Sabella's side had not conceded a goal for 372 minutes before Sunday's final. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been key to the team's frugality, underlining his importance with two saves in the Albiceleste's penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday.

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