Tim Krul has defended his conduct during the Netherlands' 4-3 penalty shootout triumph over Costa Rica on Saturday.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper was introduced to the game with just 44 seconds of extra time left of the goalless draw, saving two spot-kicks to set up a World Cup semi-final with Argentina in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

"I psyched them out. You try to do everything you can without being too aggressive. I tried to get in their minds," Krul is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"Before the game, the goalkeeper coach came up to me and told me that if we had a change left I would be the man. It is something I have dreamed about since I was a little boy - to have that moment when you make the crucial save and then all the boys are running towards you."

Krul saved penalties from Michael Umma and Fulham's Bryan Ruiz after replacing first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in a tactical change by Louis van Gaal.

Written by
Phil Archbold