2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil

Krul is cool. Just steps in and saves the day.

And we say goodbye to the big surprise of the tournament.
 
Feel bad for Costa Rica. Great effort from then this World Cup though. Now I'm hoping for a Brazil vs Argentina final in Maracana, it could be arguably one of the greatest games in football history.
 
this was so close... Costa Rica were a brave team. I think Netherlands didn't play very well most of the game, even so they created many chances. The gods were with Costa Rica.

Great extra time. Best part of the game.
 
Credit (also) goes to Frans Hoek, keeper trainer (and one of the assistants).
Man, what a relief. So many chances. Sneijder hit the wood twice.... so glad that we won!
 
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I agree. And i must say that he might be the decisive factor. Best manager of this world cup, imho.
 
Night Prowler said:
OFFICIAL: Louis Van Gaal is a genius.
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As the commentators over here said, he was going to live or die by that decision. Such a massive call to make right at the end of the match. I didn't like Krul's antics, going up to the first two Costa Rica penalty takers and trying to put them off... that was bad sportsmanship. I suspect the ref had a word with him after that, because he didn't do it with the last 3 penalty takers. Overall though, Holland did deserve to win the match. they had many more chances than Costa Rica, and only the woodwork and a great performance from Navas prevented Holland from winning it before it could go to penalties. It's amazing how far spirit and determination can get you, as Costa Rica were clearly the inferior side, but they were a whisker away from getting through to the semi final. I'm very happy Holland went through, but Costa Rica deserve a lot of credit for what they've brought to the tournament.

Van Gaal is a genius, and I can certainly see him taking Holland all the way to the trophy this time. Here's hoping!
 
I really don't think Van Gaal is the "genius" most people seem to be suggesting he is. Sure, it was a well-thought out play, but it had every chance to flop in effect when thought about long enough.

At the end of the day, it was a simple contingency. A well thought out contingency, but a contingency nonetheless.
 
RTC said:
I really don't think Van Gaal is the "genius" most people seem to be suggesting he is. Sure, it was a well-thought out play, but it had every chance to flop in effect when thought about long enough.

At the end of the day, it was a simple contingency. A well thought out contingency, but a contingency nonetheless.
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I wouldn't call him a genius just for that though. But he really put his neck on the block with that decision, a gutsy move to be sure. Many people doubted his decision to bring on Huntelaar for Van Persie in the last game, but he was proved right in his decision. In the end, there's a spirit and unity in the Dutch team which hasn't been there for many years, and I think Van Gaal must be given at least some of the credit for that. Cillessen looked as overjoyed as anyone by Krul's saves, and getting through, when he could easily have been cheesed off and insulted at being substituted for the shoot out. I suspect that scenario had been discussed beforehand, and that's why Cillessen didn't appear too dejected at the decision.

You're right, it did have every chance to flop, but Van Gaal knew what he was doing. I very much doubt that was a spur of the moment decision. A very surprising decision? Absolutely. A reckless decision? Definitely not. :)
 
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