Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhether it was Germany's semi-final shellacking of hosts Brazil, or England's limp group stage exit, the 2014 World Cup had plenty of unforettable moments.But perhaps the most quirky moment of the tournament came when the Netherlands made a last-gasp goalkeeping switch deep into their quarter-final match against an upstart Costa Rica side.With 120 goalless minutes having passed in Salvador, Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal made the unusual decision to substitute his first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul.Krul on his Costa Rica shootout heroricsVan Gaal's faith in the former Newcastle stopper's penalty saving prowess was instantly vindicated when Krul saved two Costa Rica spot kicks, helping his side claim a 4-3 penalty victory and sealing a place in the semi-finals.It was the first time a manager had ever tried such a stunt during a World Cup and turned Krul into an instant Dutch hero as he sealed a place in the competition's folklore. You may like My shootout save in 2018 was a huge moment for me and the team. Wed moved on from being the underachievers to a nation that genuinely believed Jordan Pickford on ending Englands penalty hoodoo We want to be the best, so we have to turn negative moments into improvements. France were reigning champions in 2022 and knew how to succeed Jordan Pickford on the crucial fine margins at a major tournament Jordan Pickford on the 2018 World Cup semi-final: 'We just couldn't get the second goal' "My international debut away to Brazil in 2011, where I kept a clean sheet, was a dream come true," Krul recalls to FourFourTwo when asked about the match. "Then obviously the World Cup in Brazil three years later was even better."Only me, the goalie coach and the manager knew of the plan before the Costa Rica game. Louis van Gaal pulled me to one side just before we stepped on the bus to the stadium. He asked me to be ready if it went to extra-time and penalties.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Truly, I didnt think it would go to penalties, but we kept hitting the crossbar and the post, and it went to extra-time. I had to get warmed up, and I told Van Gaal I was ready with two minutes to go, because I had to obviously get on the pitch before the final whistle went."Id studied their penalty takers, but I didnt have notes. It was all in my head and then feeling the moment. There was definitely big pressure, but what an honour to see everyone run towards me after the win."I dreamt about that as a kid. I was lucky to play for my country 15 times, and to be part of a World Cup and two Euros."Unfortunately, Van Gaal and Krul were unable to repeat this trick in the Netherlands semi-final against Argentina, as the coach had used all of his substitutions by the time the match went to penalties."Apparently, after my heroics in the quarter-finals, thats Van Gaals biggest regret, that he didnt put me on instead of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar," Krul laments."But Robin van Persie was injured and there was still most of extra-time, so I understand why he put a fresh player on. To save Lionel Messis penalty in the semis would have trumped the quarter-finals. It wasnt to be, but Im proud of what I achieved."TOPICSNetherlandsWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromMiles Starforth
