Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has spoken of his pride after guiding Holland to penalty shoot-out success against Costa Rica last night in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Magpies shot-stopper came on as a substitute in a bold tactical move by head coach Louis van Gaal in the dying seconds of extra-time, as a fascinating encounter ended 0-0.
Veteran van Gaal, who takes over as Manchester United manager after the tournament in Brazil comes to an end, decided the 26-year-old was better equipped to save spot-kicks than Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen.
The switch worked as Krul saved two penalties, while his colleagues put away all of theirs to secure safe passage into Wednesday night’s last-four clash with Argentina.
Krul took to social media site Twitter to express his delight at climbing off the substitutes’ bench to inspire the victory.
He said: “Words can’t describe how proud I am to be part of this team and this fantastic journey.”
Holland assistant Patrick Kluivert was equally pleased and admitted to his followers that he was relieved, not least because the Dutch have a poor track record in penalty shoot-outs.
The former striker said: “Yes! What a game ,winning by penalties finally in our favour. Semi-final here we come Holland-Argentina.”