World Cup moments: Krul's penalty heroics

Anna Woodberry 2 years ago 2k
Krul saved two penalties during the shoot-out. AFP

During the 2014 World Cup, Tim Krul received a standing ovation from his Netherland's teammates after his masterful performance in the penalty shoot-out saw the 'Oranje' defeat Costa Rica and book a place in the semi-finals.

119 minutes came and passed during the World Cup quarter-final between the Netherlands and Costa Rica at the Arena Fonte Nova Salvador in Brazil without neither team scoring.

The goalless draw meant the game was heading for a penalty shoot-out but Dutch national coach Louis van Gaal had one last trick up his hand.

He took off starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, replacing him with Newcastle's Tim Krul in what looked like a bizarre move but one made with the impending spot-kicks playing deep on his mind.

It would prove to be a tactical masterclass as Krul saved penalties from Bryan Ruiz and Marco Urena to secure the Netherlands a 4-3 shoot-out victory over Costa Rica, sending them through to the semi-finals which they would lose to eventual runner-ups Argentina.

Skip forward four years and things have been less than rosy for the unexpected hero. Krul hasn't been called up to the national team since October 2015 and has rarely played for new club Brighton after a host of disappointing loan spells abroad, but he will always be remembered for what he did for the Netherlands on July 5, 2014.

Mentioned in the news story

World Cup
Países Bajos
Costa Rica
Tim Krul