Romero goes from zero to hero

Having spent most of the last 12 months out of favor at club level, Sergio Romero has emerged from the shadows to star in Argentina's run to the World Cup final.

Romero saved twice in Wednesday's penalty shootout as Argentina triumphed 4-2 after a scoreless 120 minutes against the Netherlands in the semifinal at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena.

Reduced to the role of spectator for much of a disppointing match, the 27-year-old stepped forward to deny both Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder from the spot.