Holland assistant Patrick Kluivert has thanked fans for their support in the wake of his side’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Argentina.
The Dutch frustrated their opponents and held out for a 0-0 draw after extra-time in what proved to be a cagey affair in Brazil.
The contest went to a penalty shoot-out and while the south Americans successfully dispatched all of their attempts, Holland duo Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder were thwarted by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Regular penalty taker Robin van Persie could not take one as he was substituted by head coach Louis van Gaal during extra-time, with hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar taking his place.
Kluivert, who looked distraught in the technical area after the shoot-out, praised the side’s followers who provided backing in the stadium and back home.
He said on Twitter: “I want to thank everybody in Holland and abroad for supporting us.
“I am very proud of the team for the spirit that they showed.”
Huntelaar also opened up about Holland’s exit from the tournament, adding: “What an anti-climax!
“Let’s transform these emotions into something positive, even though the reward (in Saturday’s third-place play-off against Brazil) is only one place.
“Thanks for the support!”