Tim Krul: I psyched out Costa Rica players during penalty shootout

Tim Krul has defended his behaviour during the Netherlands’ penalty shootout win over Costa Rica as he helped his side reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper was brought on as a substitute deep into extra-time and saved two penalties to set up a semi-final with Argentina in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

You try to do everything you can without being too aggressive

Tim Krul

Krul saved spot-kicks from Michael Umma and Bryan Ruiz after replacing first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in a tactical change by Van Gaal.

“I psyched them out. You try to do everything you can without being too aggressive. I tried to get in their minds,” Krul is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“Before the game, the goalkeeper coach came up to me and told me that if we had a change left I would be the man.

“It is something I have dreamed about since I was a little boy – to have that moment when you make the crucial save and then all the boys are running towards you.”