The last of the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals pitted Netherlands against Costa Rica on Saturday evening.
The Dutch had the best of the chances in the first 45 minutes, but could not find a way past Costa Rica's Keylor Navas.
It was more of the same in the second period, with Netherlands missing a host of chances as the match headed for extra-time, which also finished goalless.
As a result, penalties were to decide the match and it was Netherlands that came through on spot-kicks after Costa Rica missed two in the shootout.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole's World Cup quarter-final coverage continues this evening as Netherlands tackle Costa Rica. On paper, it looks to be a relatively simple progression into the last four for Holland, but Costa Rica have surprised many this summer. It would be some story if they could upset the apple cart once more. Right, let me bring you the team news from Bahia, which has just landed.
TEAM NEWS: Netherlands make two changes from the team that beat Mexico last time out, with Memphis Depay and Bruno Martins Indi replacing Nigel de Jong and Paul Verhaegh. Dirk Kuyt also starts, but I have no idea where! It could be wing-back, wide right, wide left or centre midfield. Costa Rica, meanwhile, make one change from the Greece match, with Johnny Acosta replacing the suspended Oscar Duarte.
TEAMS:
NETHERLANDS: Cillessen; De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi; Blind, Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Kuyt, Depay; Robben, Van Persie
COSTA RICA: Navas; Diaz, Gonzalez, Acosta, Umana, Gamboa; Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Ruiz; Campbell
So there we have it. As mentioned, this is the first ever meeting between the two nations. Netherlands are regular members of the latter stages of the World Cup, but this is the first time that Costa Rica have ever reached the quarter-finals of this particular tournament. Previously their best showing had been in the 1990 competition, when they reached the round of 16 before bowing out.
Netherlands, however, have reached the final of the World Cup in three of their last seven attempts. The first of those arrived in 1974, before they also finished second in 1978. The Dutch did not qualify in either 1982 or 1986, but returned with a quarter-final finish in 1990. Since then, they have made the quarter-finals in 1994, semi-finals in 1998 and finished as runner-up to Spain in 2010.
It was no surprise that Netherlands found qualification for this tournament so straightforward, with Louis van Gaal's team drawn in a group where none of their opponents were ranked inside FIFA's top 30. They won nine of their 10 Group D matches, scoring 34 times in the process and conceding just five times. That run of results saw them finish comfortably top of the section, nine points clear of second-placed Romania.
In terms of their results in the finals, Netherlands opened their Group B campaign with a sensational 5-1 win over Spain, before beating Australia 3-2 to secure their spot in the next round. Next came a fixture with Chile in a match that would decide who would top the group and therefore avoid Brazil. Netherlands came through 2-0 winners against the South American outfit to make it nine points from nine.
Mexico were Netherlands' opponents in the last-16 stage and it looked as if Louis van Gaal's side would be heading out of the competition after Giovani dos Santos struck for Mexico. However, Holland responded with two late, late goals to break Mexican hearts and continue their journey. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face Argentina - who beat Belgium 1-0 earlier - in the semi-finals next Wednesday.
5 - Wesley Sneijder's five goals in five appearances key in the latter stages for #NED. Graphic. pic.twitter.com/4DXsbG3ZJk
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 5, 2014
Netherlands have now won 10 of their last 11 World Cup matches, with their only defeat during that run occurring in the 2010 final against Spain. Holland have also never lost to a CONCACEF team at the World Cup – winning one and drawing one of their two matches, which were both against Mexico.
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador #NED #CRC #WorldCup @MirrorFootball pic.twitter.com/L8bHJPHWmf
— Martin Lipton (@MartinLipton) July 5, 2014
That said, Netherlands have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 World Cup games, a run that stretches back to 1994, when they shut out Ireland. Seven different players have scored for Netherlands at this summer's World Cup, however, which is a demonstration of their attacking talent under Van Gaal.
The Dutch also have two players in serious form. Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben has scored eight times in his last 10 appearances for his country – including three this summer - while the skipper Robin van Persie has scored 21 goals in his last 26 games for the Oranje. Those two will surely be key to Holland's chances of success this evening and possibly into the latter stages.
Holland v Costa Rica teams pic.twitter.com/TTNJ0z1cwA
— Owen Gibson (@owen_g) July 5, 2014
Dutch coach Van Gaal will leave his position as head coach of Netherlands after this tournament to take charge of Premier League outfit Manchester United, but it would be some way to depart if he could secure the World Cup crown, making Holland the first-ever European team to pick up the World Cup on South American soil. They are just three matches away from that feat. It would be an incredible feat.
Costa Rica, however, will have something to say about that. This summer, Los Ticos have become the first CONCACAF team since the USA in 2002 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
That said, Costa Rica have won just one of their last seven encounters against European opposition. Their single victory came against Italy earlier this summer, however, which will hand them confidence entering this match. Costa Rica have also scored in all but one of their nine World Cup matches against teams from Europe, with their goalless draw against England in this tournament the only exception.
So, how did Costa Rica make it this far? Incredibly, Costa Rica topped Group D ahead of second-place Uruguay in the group stages, eliminating both Italy and England in the process. They scored four times and conceded just once, which was from a penalty against Uruguay. They were expected to finish bottom of the group, but put on a sensational display. It would be some story if they could cause another upset this evening.
They opened with a 3-1 win over Uruguay, before beating Italy to book their spot in the next round. As a result, they needed just a point against England to ensure that they topped the group and that was indeed the case, with seven points enough to top the section and set up a favourable last-16 match against Greece.
Bryan Ruiz's third goal this summer handed Costa Rica a 1-0 lead against Greece, but they conceded in stoppage time. Neither team could find a goal in extra-time as the tie headed for penalties, but Costa Rica scored all five of their spot-kicks to book their spot in the last eight. It has arguably been the story of the World Cup this summer. However, tonight is a different challenge.
PREDICTION: It has been a wonderful story for Costa Rica this summer, but I think that their hopes of lifting the trophy will come to an end this evening. I just cannot see Costa Rica keeping a clean sheet against Netherlands and I am expecting a fairly routine win. My score prediction is 2-0 Holland.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. Both national anthems are just about to take place. Little under five minutes until kickoff in this World Cup quarter-final.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face Argentina in the semi-finals. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for a real cracker in Salvador.
Here we go then. It is the last of the World Cup quarter-finals this summer. It must be said that there is a quite stunning atmosphere inside the stadium as Costa Rica get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
Straight away Netherlands put pressure on the Costa Rican defence as Blind slides a low pass into Depay, who cuts inside and attempts to find Robben, but Umana just manages to clear the danger. It is all one-way traffic in the opening couple of minutes with the team in orange in complete control of the possession.
It is difficult to tell whether Netherlands are playing a 3-4-3 or a 5-3-2 at the moment. It is a bit of both! The possession football continues as Costa Rica sit in and wait for Netherlands to move closer to their box.
De Vrij is perhaps lucky to escape a booking as he dives into a challenge with Bolonas. Costa Rica take the free kick quickly as Bolonas attempts to catch out the Dutch goalkeeper, but it moves behind for a goal kick. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances thus far, but Costa Rica have started to see more ball.
Netherlands again break with Robben, who cuts inside before finding Depay, but his cross finds Van Persie in an offside position. Slightly untidy from Costa Rica in the last couple of minutes with Campbell and Ruiz both losing possession in the Dutch half. Still goalless, but Netherlands have had the better of it.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes, but Netherlands remain in control of the ball. Costa Rica have left Campbell as their lone forward and the Arsenal man has been isolated thus far. As expected, Robben looks the main danger for Netherlands at the moment with 10 minutes on the clock in Salvador.
PASS MAP: Side to side. Side to side. #NED pic.twitter.com/U1BMaEnXus
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 5, 2014
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Costa Rica take possession away from the Dutch before launching an attack of their own, but it breaks down in a wide area. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match.
Netherlands continue to threaten in wide areas with Kuyt and Depay both advanced, but Costa Rica have been strong in defensive areas thus far. Robben and Van Persie have been quiet in the last couple of minutes, but the pressure is building. The opening 16 minutes have just flown past, but still the score remains goalless.
No real attacking play from Costa Rica in the last few minutes as Netherlands continue to dominate the ball. However, neither side has been able to create a clear chance thus far. Slightly disappointing thus far.
It's really bright work from Costa Rica as Campbell drives past three defenders before reversing a pass into Borges, but his low cross is cleared by Vlaar. Costa Rica manage to keep the pressure on from a throw, but eventually the danger is cleared. Counter-attacking at its best from Costa Rica there.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Van Persie to send Netherlands ahead as Kuyt finds Depay, who plays a brilliant pass into Van Persie, but his effort is straight at Navas. What an opportunity.
Netherlands come forward once more with Robben, but this time the Bayern Munich winger loses possession and Costa Rica have a goal-kick. The tempo has just started to rise in the last couple of minutes, but Costa Rica remain a serious threat on the counter. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Salvador.
Another half-chance for Netherlands as Kuyt finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into Van Persie, but the skipper had been in an offside position. Costa Rica just need to be careful here.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the middle of the park. The referee, meanwhile, has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Still goalless with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Costa Rica have a free kick just outside the Dutch box, but Bolanos's cross clears everyone.
CHANCE! Another chance for the Dutch as Van Persie drives towards the Costa Rican box before sliding in Depay, but his strike is straight at Navas. More good goalkeeping from the Levante stopper.
Not too much happening for Costa Rica at the moment, with Campbell left isolated in the final third. Costa Rica do force a free kick outside the box when Van Persie fells Acosta, but the resulting set piece from Bolanos is claimed by Cillessen. Still goalless with 32 minutes on the clock in Salvador.
Really untidy spell of the match in the last couple of minutes as Costa Rica force yet another free kick just outside the Dutch box. Costa Rica have a sight of goal inside the box, but Blind manages to clear following good work from Campbell at the far post. Robben breaks down the other end, but is felled by Gamboa.
It is all very slow from Netherlands at the moment as Costa Rica continue to sit in and absorb the danger. It is not too pretty, but it is working at the moment. The Dutch are down the right with Kuyt in their next attack, but once more the cross is cleared. This game could do with a goal that is for certain.
BOOKING! Netherlands have a free kick in a dangerous area as Diaz brings Robben to the ground, with the Costa Rican defender gaining a yellow card for his troubles.
CHANCE! Sneijder fires the resulting free kick towards the top corner, but once more Navas is across his goal to make a fine save. Brilliant vision from the Dutchman and an equally brilliant save.
Netherlands have looked the most likely this evening, but Costa Rica continue to defend in numbers. Once more the Dutch work the ball wide to Blind, but the ball comes central and Costa Rica clear the danger.
Another half-chance for Netherlands as Robben turns on the edge of the box before sliding a low pass towards Van Persie, but once more Navas is out to make the save. More frustration for Van Gaal and the Dutch.
HALF-TIME: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica
In truth, that was not great. Netherlands have had plenty of the ball and indeed the better chances, but it has been fairly comfortable for Costa Rica thus far. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face Argentina, who beat Belgium 1-0 earlier this afternoon, in the semi-finals next Wednesday.
STATISTICS: Netherlands dominated the posssession in the first period with 62%, while they had four attempts, all of which were on target. Costa Rica, however, managed just one attempt off target in the first period. Just the one booking issued by the referee, meanwhile, with Diaz in the book for Costa Rica.
BENCH WATCH: Huntelaar and Lens are the two obvious attacking options on the bench for Netherlands, while Clasie could also be introduced to provide guile in midfield. Costa Rica, meanwhile, have the likes of Barrantes, Cubero and Brenes in reserve. Subs could prove vital this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to decide this match. Right, Netherlands get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. As expected, Netherlands have taken control of the early possession in this half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Netherlands remain in control of the ball. Depay finds some space in a wide area for the Dutch, but runs into the challenge of two defenders and the danger is cleared. In truth, we are in need of some excitement at the moment!
There is only one team on the pitch at the moment as Netherlands continue to keep the ball, with Costa Rica just sitting in and hoping to threaten on the counter. It would not be a surprise to see Van Gaal make a change in the next five minutes or so. Not too much is happening at the moment. The standard is quite poor.
BOOKING! Umana goes in the book for Costa Rica after fouling Robben in a wide area.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Robben into Sneijder, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Clever free kick from the Dutch, but it was always a difficult finish from that position.
We have played 10 minutes of the second period and it has been really poor truth be told. Costa Rica have hardly been in the Dutch half, while Netherlands are really struggling to create clear openings.
Half-chance for Netherlands as De Vrij meets a corner from Robben, but his header is blocked by Diaz. Costa Rica attempt to break down the other end with Campbell, but once more the Arsenal forward is left isolated. Well, little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining and as it stands, we are heading for ET.
Half-chance for Netherlands as Robben finds some space down the left before driving a low cross into Kuyt, but Gonzalez is across to make another fine challenge. Just a few signs that Netherlands are starting to raise the tempo, but Costa Rica have been so defensively sound this evening and indeed this summer.
Costa Rica want a penalty as Campbell goes down inside the Netherlands box, but the referee is not interested. It was brilliant pace from Diaz down the left to set up the chance, but Campbell was eased out by Martins Indi, who made contact with the Arsenal forward - fairly according to the referee at least.
Half-chance Costa Rica as Bolanos strikes a free kick from outside the box, but his effort was always movin high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining and still the score is 0-0.
BOOKING! Martins Indi goes into the book for Netherlands after fouling Ruiz.
You just get the feeling that something is ready to happen here. A Costa Rica goal would liven this up that is for certain. A half-chance arrives as Gonzalez meets a free kick from Bolanos, but Vlaar does enough.
SUB! Costa Rica make a change as Campbell is replaced by Urena.
Still no movement on the Dutch bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Netherlands continue to dominate the ball in the final third, but chances have been few and far between. The match has just started to open up, with both teams losing possession in the middle of the park. Please let this continue!
Half-chance for Netherlands as Robben drives into the Costa Rica box before finding Van Persie, who returns the favour, but Tejeda is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting corner also causes concern, but Costa Rica manage to clear once more. Good pressure from Netherlands in the last couple of minutes.
Gamboa has a problem here as the Costa Rican hits the deck following a high challenge with Blind.
Gamboa returns to the action for Costa Rica, with little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time. However, you just get the feeling that a goal is coming here.
Opportunity for Netherlands to threaten from a free kick as Gamboa fells Blind outside the box...
... the resulting free kick is delivered by Sneijder, but Vlaar heads over the crossbar. Brilliant delivery from Sneijder, but it was a difficult header. It remains goalless with 75 minutes on the clock.
SUB! First Netherlands change as Lens replaces Depay.
SUB! Second Costa Rica change as Myrie replaces Gamboa.
Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining and still the score remains level. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time. It has not been a great quarter-final truth be told. Is there to be a late winner?
Lens meets a cross from Kuyt, but Navas is once more on hand to make the save. The flag had been raised, however, and therefore it would not have counted for the Dutch. Not too much going forward for Costa Rica at the moment, but Netherlands continue to struggle in the final third. Still goalless.
BOOKING! Gonzalez is in the book for Costa Rica as he fells Robben on the edge of the box. That was almost a penalty! Chance here for the Dutch.
POST! Oh my word! Sneijder rattles the post for Netherlands with a stunning free kick. Navas for once was beaten, but it smashed the woodwork and the score remains level here.
CHANCE! Van Persie finds some space inside the Costa Rican box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but Navas once more makes the save. Stunning goalkeeping from the Levante stopper.
Another half-chance for Van Persie as the Dutch skipper takes control of a high ball outside the Costa Rican box, but he takes too long to produce an effort and the danger is cleared. All one-way traffic here.
Costa Rica are hanging on a bit at the moment as Netherlands continue to force the issue. However, there are just two minutes of normal time remaining. Are we heading for another 30 minutes in Salvador?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Netherlands to win it as Sneijder puts it on a plate for Van Persie inside the box, but somehow he misses from close range. Wow, just wow.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Can Netherlands strike a late blow here?
Another free kick for Netherlands as Diaz brings Robben to the ground on the edge of the box. Can they?
Van Persie takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is beaten away by Navas.
CHANCES! Oh my word! Van Persie comes close to winning it as the Dutch skipper fires a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Tejada deflects it onto the crossbar. Scenes here!
Costa Rica are just holding on at the moment as Netherlands continue to force the issue. Sneijder looks wide for Kuyt, but Costa Rica manage to clear once more as Gonzalez heads out of the box.
END OF 90 MINS: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica
Good grief. Wow, what a finish! Netherlands should have ended this late in the 90 minutes, but Costa Rica survive to force extra-time. Incredible scenes here!
Navas and Gonzalez have both been terrific for Costa Rica, but can they hold on for another 30 minutes? You have to admire Costa Rica's spirit, but Netherlands really should have ended this match already.
Here we go then. Costa Rica get the extra-time period underway. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in the next 30 minutes. I would be surprised if this went all the way to penalties.
As expected, Netherlands have taken control of the possession in the early stages of extra-time, with Van Persie and Robben both seeing plenty of the ball. The latter works it wide to Lens, who delivers into the box, but once more Navas is on hand to claim. Moments later, Robben is flagged offside.
The pressure continues from the Dutch as Kuyt forces a corner following bright work down the right. The resulting set piece is met by Vlaar, but once more Navas is on hand to make the save. Pressure!
Another half-chance for Netherlands as Navas fails to get anywhere near a corner, but Costa Rica just manage to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues and the Dutch look intent on moving ahead here.
Navas looks in real trouble here as the Costa Rican goalkeeper hits the deck following a high challenge with Kuyt. Navas had had a shoulder problem and it looks to be the cause for concern here.
SUB! Costa Rica make their third and final change as Cusero replaces Tejeda.
Costa Rica want a penalty as Urena goes down inside the Dutch box under pressure from Vlaar, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given!
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments. Both teams look out on their feet. Costa Rica want penalties I don't think that there is any doubt about that.
Martins Indi gets himself involved in a challenge with Ruiz, but the referee takes no action against the Dutch centre-back, who is on a yellow card. Robben has a half-chance moments later after driving into the Costa Rica box, but Diaz makes a block. Moments later, Netherlands have another free kick just outside the box.
The free kick is taken by Robben, but his effort is straight into the wall.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica
Still no goals in Salvador. Is this match heading for penalties? Incredible effort from Costa Rica.
SUB! Second change for Netherlands as Huntelaar - who is a penalty specialist - replaces Martins Indi. That is a positive change from Van Gaal.
Costa Rica just cannot keep the ball at the moment and that is a big risk at this stage of proceedings. They are playing for penalties, but Netherlands want a winner here. You just get the feeling that there will be one more big chance for the Dutch. They will surely want it to fall to Huntelaar.
BOOKING! Acosta is in the book for Costa Rica after fouling Robben in a wide area.
The resulting free kick from Robben causes concern inside the Costa Rica box, but once more the danger is cleared. The pressure continues, however, as Robben forces yet another corner from Gonzalez.
Costa Rica manage to ease some of the pressure as Urena wins a throw from Vlaar, but Netherlands gain control of the ball moments later. Still 10 minutes of this quarter-final to play. Is there to be a winner?
Van Persie attempts to thread a low pass into Huntelaar after finding some space outside the box, but the striker does not make the move and Navas has possession. Still around 10 minutes to play here.
BOOKING! Huntelaar is in the book for Netherlands after fouling Navas.
Bolanos produces a wonderful bit of skill inside the Dutch box, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment as Netherlands break down the other end. Sneijder finds Lens, but the forward is offside.
Costa Rica have just started to open up down the other end in the last couple of moments, which has wasted more minutes. We are little under five minutes from penalties here as Vlaar manages to clear a Bolanos effort.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Costa Rica to win it as Urena drives into the Dutch box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Cillessen makes a fine save. WOW!
Netherlands have Costa Rica penned into their own half at the moment, but time is almost up here.
CROSSBAR! Sneijder rattles the crossbar for Netherlands for the second time this evening. Good grief what entertainment here!
SUB! Incredible moment for Netherlands as Krul enters the field for Cillessen. The Newcastle stopper has been brought on for penalties here. Incredible.
FULL-TIME: Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica (match heads to pens)
Incredible, just incredible. This quarter-final will be decided by penalties. Can Costa Rica do it? It will be Krul against Navas. I still cannot believe that Krul has entered for penalties!
Just a reminder that Argentina are waiting for one of these teams in the semi-finals. What drama. What entertainment. Can Costa Rica continue their incredible journey?
Here we go then. It all comes down to penalties...
GOAL! Borges nets past Krul to send Costa Rica ahead.
GOAL! Van Persie levels it up at 1-1 after finding the bottom corner.
SAVE! Krul denies Ruiz! Incredible!
GOAL! Robben sends Netherlands ahead by finding the top corner.
GOAL! Gonzalez nets past Krul to keep Costa Rica in this.
GOAL! Sneijder sends Netherlands ahead by finding the corner of the net.
GOAL! Bolanos finds the top corner to put the pressure straight back on Netherlands.
GOAL! Kuyt finds the bottom corner as Netherlands make it four from four!
SAVE! Krul denies Umana and Netherlands win it!
Incredible. What a decision from Van Gaal! Krul saved two pens in the shootout and it is Netherlands that advance into the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Time to catch some breath! What a match. Costa Rica were wonderful, but their story comes to an end this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
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Matt Law
Matt Law
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