Robin van Persie: 'Dutch critics have been proved wrong'

Netherlands captain Robin van Persie has claimed that critics of the World Cup squad have been proved wrong this summer.

Louis van Gaal's side are one game away from a second successive appearance in the World Cup final, and Van Persie believes that the doubters have been silenced due to the achievements of the players in Brazil.

"Our self-belief is enormous, and it is getting bigger all the time," the Manchester United striker told reporters. "Nobody will change that in the slightest. We have come a long way.

"I read all the pieces in the Dutch papers four weeks ago, and they did not give a penny for our chances.

"The very players who have been written off have gone on to do a fantastic job. I find that a striking achievement."

Argentina stand in the way of the Netherlands ahead of their semi-final clash on Wednesday night.