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Netherlands broke their penalty shootout jinx to beat Costa Rica 4-3 after the scores remained 0-0 at the end of extra time. This was their second ever victory out of six penalty shootouts in major tournaments.
A resilient defensive display from the central Americans prevented the star-studded Dutch attack from scoring for over 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas producing some stunning saves as he continued on his exemplary run of form in this tournament. In the end however, it was the Dutch who had the last laugh courtesy of some impeccable penalty kicks.
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However, the match will be remembered for the bold gamble by Louis Van Gal who substituted first choice goal-keeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul just ahead of the penalty shoot-out – a gamble that paid huge dividends as Krul produced two saves to help the Dutch to their fifth semi-final appearance in World Cup history.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of individual performances in the game.
Netherlands
Jasper Cillessen: 6/10
The Dutch no. 1 keeper had practically nothing to do through-out the whole game bar the save he made to deny Urena. However, his confidence would have taken some hit, as Van Gaal decided to replace him for the penalty shootout with Tim Krul.
Stefan de Vrij: 6.5/10
The 22-year-old had a decent game, but was slightly careless in possession and occasionally provided Urena enough space for the forward to trouble the defence. However, he did make five tackles and interceptions each.
Ron Vlaar: 7/10
The experienced centre back had a decent game having circulated the ball well at the back, while also making some timely interceptions. The Aston Villa man was a physical presence at either ends of the pitch.
Bruno Martins Indi: 6/10
The defender was a physical presence at the back for the Dutch, while also providing good-marking and very accurate passing, before being subbed in the 106th minute.
Daley Blind: 6.5/10
The explosive full back floated in some delicious crosses from the left wing but failed to find a man to convert them.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6/10
An average game for PSV midfielder, who slotted in the deep midfield role. He was decent with his ball circulation, but that was all that he did.
Dirk Kuyt: 7/10
An industrious display from the former Liverpool man, who was a handful on the right side. However, he failed to provide those telling crosses. His presence faded as the game went on, but had the last laugh as he calmly placed his penalty kick past Navas.
Memphis Depay: 5.5/10
A disappointing game for the forward, who was substituted after 76 minutes after having managed only one shot on goal.
Arjen Robben: 7/10
Coolly slotted the penalty past Navas and was a constant threat for the Costa Rican defence, who were a tad cautious with Robben’s reputation as a diver. He won a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions, although not all of them were deserved.
Wesley Sneijder: 8/10
He was very unlucky to hit the post on a free kick and then hit the crossbar in the dying stages of the game. He deserved to score the winner but made up for it by converting a penalty under pressure.
Robin Van Persie: 5.5/10
A poor game for the Flying Dutchman as he squandered a lot of chances, including some in the dying stages of the game. He was also caught offside on numerous occasions. The only positive from his display was the penalty that he beautifully placed.
Substitutes
Jermain Lens: 4/10 – Flop of the Match
A dismal display from the forward, who managed only 18 touches after having been brought on in the 76th minute with his team looking for the elusive first goal in the dying stages of normal time. He was caught offside probably on more occasions than the number of touches he took.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: 5.5/10
He did not have enough time to really influence the match after he replaced Bruno Martins Indi in the 106th minute, although he was a threat from set-pieces and took a brilliant penalty.
Tim Krul: 8.5/10 – Man of the Match
The Dutch keeper was given the responsibility to save his team in the dreaded penalty shootout when he substituted first choice keeper Cillessen in the 120th minute – one of the most intriguing tactical changes of the tournament. It was a gamble that was instrumental in Netherlands’ progression to the semi-final. He made two excellent saves and repaid Van Gaal’s faith in him.
Costa Rica
Keylor Navas: 8/10
The Costa Rican goal-keeper was his usual brilliant self; pulling a number of key saves, while also marshaling his box with aplomb. He was undone by the excellent and almost unstoppable penalties by the Dutch players.
Junior Diaz: 6.5/10
The hard working left back made nine clearances and was effective against the trickery of Robben. However, he was fortunate enough to have stayed on the pitch for the entire game, escaping a second booking for a foul on the Bayern Munich winger.
Giancarlo Gonzalez: 7/10
A stellar performance from the centre back who was a rock at the back for the Ticos. He put his body on the line whenever required and made 17 clearances during the game.
Johnny Acosta: 7/10
He was influential at the back for the Central Americans, and filled in handsomely in place of Duarte. He was on hand to provide eight clearances, while also putting in three tackles. Overall; an impressive display.
Cristian Gamboa: 6.5/10
He made some good overlapping runs down the right hand side, coupled with four tackles and two clearances. He was substituted in the 79th minute due to injury.
Michael Uman: 5.5/10
Uman put in a solid display at the back for the Ticos. However, he was booked for a challenge on Robben in the second half. He missed the decisive penalty, breaking millions of Costa Rican hearts.
Celso Borges: 6/10
The midfielder circulated the ball really well with some very accurate passing and was ever willing to join the counter-attacks. He was also an aerial threat in the Dutch penalty box.
Yeltsin Tejeda: 6.5/10
The defensive midfielder put in a solid display while also deflecting Van Persie’s shot towards the cross-bar.
Christian Bolanos: 6/10
His trickery and set-piece delivery caused some problem for the Dutch defence. However, he failed to score from an inviting position in the 62nd minute.
Bryan Ruiz: 5/10
Ruiz was isolated up front for most parts of the game as the Ticos looked to defend. He provided the occasional glimpse of quality, but saw his tame penalty saved by Tim Krul.
Joel Campbell: 5/10
The striker made a couple of good runs, coupled with some decent hold up play. However, he was replaced shortly after the hour mark, a decision which looked to frustrate him.
Substitutes
Marcos Urena: 6/10
He came on to replace Campbell in the 66th minute and had a glorious opportunity to score in the 117th minute when he broke through the defence, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
David Myrie:5.5/10
He was brought in to replace the injured Gamboa in the 79th minute, as Costa Rica looked to beef up their midfield. He made three interceptions after coming on.
Jose Cubero: 5/10
He came on to replace Tejeda in the 97th minute, putting in a dismal performance that involved only 13 touches.
