Netherlands national team goalkeeper Tim Krul has revealed that coach Louis van Gaal was prepared for the possibility of a penalty shootout against Costa Rica.
The 26-year-old was put on as a substitute in the last minute of extra-time during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final meeting between the Oranje and the Ticos and ended up saving two of Costa Rica’s penalties, thus sealing the Dutch a spot in the semi-finals where they will face Argentina next.
Krul spoke to Sky Sports after the Netherlands’ victory over Costa Rica and claimed that he was aware of Van Gaal’s intentions to use him for penalties all along.
“Tonight I have realised a dream, the one I just experienced has given me an incredible feeling,” said the Newcastle United man.
“A goalkeeper has everything to lose during penalty kicks, but Van Gaal had previously warned me that I would be used.
“It was something that we had prepared for and I knew that there was a possibility that I’d have to come in.
“Now we must think of the next challenge against Argentina, it will be a delicate challenge.”
