After one of the shortest and most sensational World Cup debuts, goalkeeper Tim Krul described his shootout heroics as "a dream come true" as the Netherlands advanced past Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties on Saturday to book a semifinal appointment with Argentina.
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal took a major gamble and sent on Krul for first-choice keeper Jasper Cillessen at the end of extra time following a 0-0 stalemate with the Central Americans in the quarterfinal clash at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova.
But the move paid rich dividends as Newcastle United keeper Krul stopped penalties from Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to send his team into the last four.