Netherlands beat Costa Rica on penalties, into World Cup semis

SALVADOR: The Netherlands beat Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties in Saturday´s World Cup quarter-final to set up a last four clash with Argentina.

The Costa Ricans defended heroically for 120 minutes with goalkeeper Keylor Nevas pulling off a series of superb saves to keep the score at 0-0.Dutch coach Louis van Gaal sprang a daring surprise when switching his keeper Jasper Cillessen with Newcastle´s Tim Krull for the shoot-out.

And the move paid off with Krull saving efforts from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana.

Holland´s penalty kick heroes were Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt.