Costa Rica's heroic run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ended despite having not lost a single game in Brazil. They were defeated 4-3 in penalty kicks by the Netherlands, who will advance to face Argentina in the semifinal on Wednesday.
Keylor Navas was once again instrumental in giving the Ticos a chance against another world heavyweight, but he failed to stop a single penalty kick. Meanwhile, Tim Krul, who has played just one minute at this World Cup, proved to be the hero by stopping two penalties for the Dutch.
Krul was brought on in the final minute of the second extra time in place of Jasper Cillessen with manager Louis Van Gaal opting to go with the keeper who is known as a specialist at saving PKs. The move paid off with Krul making his presence felt. He was seen trying to play head games with Costa Rican penalty takers and guessed correctly on two shots, which proved to be the difference.
Over 120 minutes-plus of actual soccer, there was little to separate the two teams. Costa Rica dug in and withstood Dutch attacks that almost always went through the feet of Arjen Robben. His penetrating dribbles led to a barrage of corner kicks, set pieces and shots for the Netherlands. Time and time again, though, it was Navas and his very well positioned back line that proved to be too much for the Dutch to get past.
In the final minutes of regulation, the Netherlands had a variety of chances. None were clearer than a Van Persie shot that was turned away at the goal line by midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda with his goal keeper Navas out of the net. The shot somehow was deflected straight up in the air and hit the bar before going out.
Written by Unknown
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