Netherlands moves on to the semifinals as they defeat Costa Rica 4 - 3 through penalties at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, as the match ended 0 - 0 at full time.

Neither of the two teams secured a goal despite the 30 - minute extension, as Netherlands and Costa Rica both struggled to outscore each other.

Netherlands were dominant over possession, which topped at about 67%. However, Costa Rica continuously frustrated the Dutch as goalkeeper Keylor Navas displayed and excellent play all throughout the match.

Most of Sneijder and Robben's attacks throughout the match were thwarted by the Costa Rican keeper, which resulted to a 0 - 0 at full time and forcing the Dutch to play a penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul was introduced just right before the end of the match extension, who also blocked two of Costa Rica's penalty kicks.

Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Dirk Kuyt score penalties for Netherlands, while Celso Borges, Giancarlo Gonzalez, and Christian Bolaños take points for Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Tim Krul blocks penalties by Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umaña, ending the match 4 - 3 with Netherlands advancing to the semifinals.

Kevin Kilbane gives an analysis of the match at an article in BBC Sports: "It was an incredible decision from Louis van Gaal. You rarely ever see it in a penalty shootout and it's a masterstroke really, a touch of genius.

"It would be incredible if he went to Manchester United as a World Cup-winning manager."

"It is cruel on Costa Rica, but a Netherlands v Argentina semi-final is one we all look forward to," he further adds.

Netherlands will soon be pitted against Argentina, who won 1 - 0 over Belgium, at Arena de Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.