World Cup: Dutch beat Costa Rica in shootout to reach semis
Substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul was the hero, saving two penalties to secure a 4-3 shootout victory after this tense, nervous quarterfinal finished goalless. Incredibly, the Newcastle man was brought on in the 29th minute of extra time with the sole job of denying "Los Ticos" in the spot-kick showdown. It earned the Dutch a second consecutive semifinals appearance, having lost to Spain in the title match four years ago. Now the aim for Louis van Gaal's men is to go one better than in South Africa. Standing in their way of another final appearance will be Argentina, which defeated Belgium in the day's earlier game thanks to a solitary early goal from Gonzalo Higuain. Wednesday's clash will be a repeat of the 1978 final, which Argentina won 3-1, and the dramatic 1998 quarterfinal in which the Dutch triumphed thanks to a spectacular Dennis Bergkamp winner. On the performances of both teams Saturday, it will be difficult to pick a winner. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots described Argentina as "ordinary" in his post-match press conference earlier in the day. Likewise, there was little that was obviously special about the Dutch against Costa Rica -- but Van Gaal's players have recorded some impressive results at this World Cup so far. A thrilling 5-1 demolition of reigning world champion Spain was followed up with two closely fought victories over Australia and Chile. The round of 16, meanwhile, produced a dramatic late win over an impressive Mexico side in the oppressive heat of Fortaleza. In Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, the Oranje was faced with another Latin American opponent -- a Costa Rica team which was only the fourth side from the CONCACAF region to reach a World Cup quarterfinal. Solid defensive displays and tactical astuteness from its wily manager, Jorge Luis Pinto, had brought Los Ticos this far, CNN reported. Nobody expected them to get out out of a pool containing Italy, England and Uruguay, let alone as group winners. A heroic display with 10 men against Greece in the round of 16, winning a shootout, ensured Pinto's team would progress further than ever before. But in Van Gaal, Pinto had met his match. The Dutch master, who will take over the reigns at Manchester United once the World Cup is over, is one of the most celebrated European coaches of the last 30 years. Throughout the tournament he has switched his style, tactics and personnel depending on the demands of the opponents. A rapid counter-attacking style was deployed against Spain to devastating effect while striker Dirk Kuyt was effectively utilized as a defender against Chile to stifle the South Americans' impressive forward line. Here, Van Gaal adopted a similarly prudent approach. Both sides started cautiously, standing off and refraining from pressing until entering each other's territory. Read more