Topics: FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Tim Krul, Louis van Gaal
Van Gaal received a lot of recognition for substituting Tim Krul only for the penalty shootouts.

Louis van Gaal earned the medal of tactical genius during yesterday’s game against Costa Rica. The Dutch manager substituted Tim Krul for Jasper Cillessen in the last minute of extra time to take care of the penalty shootouts.

Van Gaal was right again, with Krul saving 2 decisive penalties and leading his team to the World Cup semi final against Argentina. But Robin van Persie reveals that the move had been planned long before, due to the Newcastle’s keeper having more experience. Netherland’s number 9 stated:

“This was thought of by the manager. We knew Tim was very good at stopping penalties. I thought it was great he was brought in.”

Also Tim Krul himself admitted to the plan having been mastered long before the moment of the substitution, as the goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, told him about the substitution ahead of time. The Dutch keeper revealed:

“Hoek came to me and said 'If we have a sub left there is a chance you'll have to come in' and then it happened."