Netherlands go to the semi-finals after defeating Costa Rica on penalties
Dutch team celebrating after their win |
Netherlands go to the semi-finals after defeating Costa Rica on penalties. The last minute substitution by Dutch team, taking off Jasper Cillesen and putting on Tim Krul, for the penalties seems to be the key reason for their win after the Newcastle United goalkeeper saved two penalties from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana in the shoot-out. Netherlands will play Argentina in the semi final.
Tim Krul coming on for Jasper Cillesen just before the penalty shoot-outs |
Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas proved it once again why he is being compared to one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament and managed to keep the game goalless till the extra time of the game.
Van Gaal switched from 5-3-2 to 3-4-3 to make way for Dirk Kuyt and Danny Blind after Nigel de Jong's injury.Costa Rica’s amazing performance against Uruguay, Italy and Greece seemed to have taken little out of them given their energy levels. Their defence was admirable as the Dutch team were not allowed to circulate the ball in speed. All the same, Robben’s presence can spread anxiety in any back line. Junior Diaz and Michael Umana both earned yellow cards for tripping Arjen Robben.
With eight minutes of normal time remaining, Gonzalez committed a foul on Robben, which did look like a dive. Sneijder's free-kick nearly produced a goal, shooting the ball over the wall from the left corner of the penalty box and against the near post.
Netherlands (3-4-3): Cillessen (Krul, 120); De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi (Huntelaar, 105); Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind; Robben, Van Persie, Depay (Lens, 76).
Costa Rica (5-2-3): Navas; Gamboa (Myrie, 79), Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz; Tejada (Cubero, 97), Borges; Campbell (Urena, 66), Ruiz, Bolanos.
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzb)
Van Gaal switched from 5-3-2 to 3-4-3 to make way for Dirk Kuyt and Danny Blind after Nigel de Jong's injury.Costa Rica’s amazing performance against Uruguay, Italy and Greece seemed to have taken little out of them given their energy levels. Their defence was admirable as the Dutch team were not allowed to circulate the ball in speed. All the same, Robben’s presence can spread anxiety in any back line. Junior Diaz and Michael Umana both earned yellow cards for tripping Arjen Robben.
With eight minutes of normal time remaining, Gonzalez committed a foul on Robben, which did look like a dive. Sneijder's free-kick nearly produced a goal, shooting the ball over the wall from the left corner of the penalty box and against the near post.
Netherlands (3-4-3): Cillessen (Krul, 120); De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi (Huntelaar, 105); Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind; Robben, Van Persie, Depay (Lens, 76).
Costa Rica (5-2-3): Navas; Gamboa (Myrie, 79), Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz; Tejada (Cubero, 97), Borges; Campbell (Urena, 66), Ruiz, Bolanos.
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzb)
Some pictures of pretty ladies during and outside the game:
Netherlands supporter cheering for her team during the match. |
Costa Rican girl smiling during the game. |
Jale Berahimi, Costa Rican reporter. |
Jale Berahimi, Costa Rican reporter. |
Rihanna posted this picture on twitter after the game, showing support for Holland. |
To watch highlights, video on demand, skills and dribbles, and live streams from the FIFA World cup 2014 visit livsports.in now
Powered by Blogmint