Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero thanks Louis van Gaal for influence on career

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero thanked Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal after his side triumphed over Oranje on penalties.

Romero was La Albiceleste’s hero on the night, saving penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to prevent Netherlands from reaching their second successive World Cup final.

In a classy touch from Romero, the Sampdoria shot-stopper took a moment to appreciate Van Gaal’s role in his development as a player.

Romero: "I am also grateful to LvG for everything he did for me in Holland." #ARG #NED

— Peter Hall (@PeteHall86) July 9, 2014

Romero’s 4-year stint at Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar (2007-2011) club coincided with Van Gaal’s spell in charge at the AFAS Stadion (2005-2009). In the Dutch manager’s last year in charge, AZ won the Eredivisie title, finishing ahead of FC Twente and Ajax.

Argentina will now face off against a rampant Germany side on 13 July at the Estádio Maracanã, while Netherlands will have to muster up the motivation to play Brazil in the 3rd/4th place playoff in Brasília – a fixture that Van Gaal has branded as “pointless”.

Sergio Romero has kept more clean sheets than any other keeper at the World Cup.