Holland coach Louis Van Gaal has never been one to resist praising his own credentials, and he was in top form following his decision to change goalkeepers ahead of the penalty shoot-out versus Costa Rica.

Van Gaal shocked many as he replaced goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul just seconds before the penalty shoot-out with Costa Rica last night. With a World Cup semi-final berth at stake, it was a bold decision from Val Gaal.

It turned out to be a fine one, Krul becoming the hero as he saved two Costa Rican penalties to help the Dutch to a 4-2 victory in the shoot-out. Van Gaal explained the decision to the media after the game.

The Dutch coach said: "We all thought Tim was the best keeper to stop penalties,"

"He is taller and has a longer reach."

"It worked out. That was beautiful. I'm a bit proud of that."

"There is no question about who will start the next game, it will be Cillessen, but we felt Krul was the better choice here,"

Krul himself was understandably overjoyed with the goings on in Salvador, even if a bit of sportsmanship before each Costa Rican kick did incur the wrath of the neutrals in the stadium.

Krul said: "I psyched them out. You try to do everything you can without being too aggressive. I tried to get in their minds.

"It is something I have dreamed about since I was a little boy - to have that moment when you make the crucial save and then all the boys are running towards you."

Photo: Action Images

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