Was Netherlands’ late goalkeeper switch in World Cup 2014 quarter-final against Costa Rica genius or a Krul trick?

World Cup  July 06, 2014 7:10PM

AT FIRST, it appeared Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal was a tactical genius for bringing on goalkeeper Tim Krul specifically for the penalty shootout.

Now the team’s being accused of foul play.
Krul was brought on to replace Jasper Cillessen in the final seconds of extra time after 120 minutes of action could not break the 0-0 deadlock between the Dutch giants and minnow Costa Rica in the World Cup 2014 quarter-final.
In the shootout, Krul saved two penalties and was hailed the hero as the Netherlands set up a semi-final showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Tim Krul of the Netherlands saves a penalty by Michael Umana of Costa Rica in the World Cup quarter-final shootout. Source: Getty Images