FIFA World Cup 2014: Costa Rica vs Netherlands 59th Match in Pictures

he Netherlands advanced to a World Cup semi-final with Argentina by beating Costa Rica 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday with substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul saving two of the penalties after the match finished 0-0 following extra time.

Costa Rica, with the excellent Keylor Navas in goal, had held out for 120 minutes against a dominant Dutch team who hit the woodwork three times - twice late in normal time and again in the frenetic extra time period.

With extra time almost up, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal sent Krul on for Jasper Cillessen as the Dutch sought to improve on their record of one victory in five previous shootouts in major tournaments.

In the end only penalties could separate the two sides and three-time runners-up the Netherlands will play Argentina in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

(AFP Photo)