Keeper Krul saves two penalties to help Netherlands advance to WC semifinals

Netherlands' goalkeeper Tim Krul, who came off the bench late in extra time, saved two penalties against Costa Rica to help their side advance to the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

After both the sides failed to score in the full-time and extra-time, Netherlands won in the penalties scoring four against three from Costa Rica.

According to the BBC, Krul, who plays for Newcastle United, saved from Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to send the Dutch through to the World Cup semifinals tied against Argentina.

Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Dirt Kuyt scored the penalties for the Dutch as Krul saved two penalties from Costa Rica's players.

Netherlands will now face Argentina, who beat Belgium, in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who will take charge at Manchester United at the end of the tournament, brought Krul on for Jasper Cillessen in added time at the end of 120 minutes, the report added.