Newcastle United’s Tim Krul emerged as Holland’s World Cup quarter final hero, coming off the bench in extra-time to save two penalties in the shootout against Costa Rica.
With the tie goalless after 120 minutes, Dutch boss Louis van Gaal replaced his No1, Jasper Cillessen, with Krul - and the 26-year-old repaid his manger’s faith, parrying away spot kicks from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to send his country into the last four where they will face Argentina.
Holland were on top for the majority of the game but were unable to find a way past a resolute Costa Rican defence. Their goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, tipped away a first-half Wesley Sneijder free-kick, while Robin van Persie missed a hat-trick of good chances late on.
World Cup semi-finals
Brazil v Germany
Holland v Argentina
Sneijder hit the past with a second free-kick inside the final ten minutes.
An enthralling period of extra-time ensued but neither side were able to find a winner, paving the way for Krul to make a name for himself.
In the day’s earlier game, Gonzalo Higuain fired Argentina into the semi-final as his early goal secured a 1-0 win over Belgium.
The Napoli striker scored a cracking goal after only eight minutes to defeat a spirited Belgium side that failed to make the most of their opportunities.
It means Argentina are through to their first semi-final since the 1990, when they beat host nation Italy before losing to Germany in the Final.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was once again the star player, though, steering his side to victory with another impressive display.
And it was Messi who inspired the winning goal for Alex Sabella's side. Messi did well to pick out Angel Di Maria and his ball took a lucky deflection in the direction of Higuain, who fired instinctively past Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal.
Once again it proved to be enough as all five of Argentina's victories in the competition have been won by a one-goal margin.
The only downside for Argentina was a first-half injury suffered by Di Maria and they will now be hoping he can recover to take part in the rest of the tournament.
