Sergio Aguero has suggested that Argentina have been underestimated throughout the World Cup and claims that their semi-final win against the Netherlands has proven a lot of critics wrong.

Following the tense game Aguero spoke about how people had doubted coach Alejandro Sabella's team, but that they never lost faith in themselves. The 26-year-old said, "A lot of people didn't think Argentina would get to the final but we knew what players we had, very good players individually," adding, "this means so much."

The Manchester City forward, whose continued place at the tournament had been in doubt after an injury sustained during the group stage, came off the bench late in normal time but couldn't help break the deadlock.

In the subsequent penalty shootout Aguero scored his country's third from the spot to open a commanding lead, while Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero stood out as the hero after saving two Dutch attempts. Oranje coach Louis van Gaal later revealed that two of his players refused to take the first penalty.

Before this year, Argentina hadn't reached the semi-finals of a World Cup since they were runners-up in 1990, having underachieved in recent tournaments.

Former Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez, who converted the winning penalty, spoke of past heartbreak and his feelings that the team's place in Sunday's final is merited. He stated, "We know the pain we have been through, and we deserved some kind of happiness.

"Now we have to play the final but that is what we have dreamed of ever since we left Buenos Aires. We must make the most of it and let's hope that the last 90 minutes are on our side.

"I dedicate this is to my family and all of Argentina, to everyone who is crying like us, who have had a dream since they were little and now might be able to see it fulfilled."