FIFA World Cup 2014: Van Gaal Pleased to See Goalkeeper Substitution Work against Costa Rica

Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal said he was pleased to see his goalkeeper substitution plan work as his side beat Costa Rica in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup.

Van Gaal brought out Tim Krul in place of Jasper Cillessen for the penalty shootouts and plan worked out well as the Newcastle United goalkeeper went on to make two saves, and help Netherlands book their place in the final four of the 2014 World Cup.

And the soon-to-be Manchester United manager, who revealed he had planned this move all along, said he was proud to see his move work.

"We always felt that Tim Krul would be the most appropriate player to stop penalties. He has a long reach and we prepared Costa Rican penalties. He dove into the right corner time and time again. We are a little bit proud that this trick has helped us through."

The former Bayern Munich boss also revealed Holland's starting goalkeeper Cillessen was not aware of the plan.

"First and foremost, the coach decides who is going to play and who is going to be a substitute. We said nothing to Jasper Cillessen because we didn't want to face this before the match. It would be disappointing for him, but every keeper has his specific qualities. We felt Tim had a better track record of saving penalties. Fortunately, this worked out," added van Gaal.

The 62-year-old felt that his side played well during normal time though they were unable to find a break through.

"Before the 90 minutes had ended, I thought they were playing well and that we created lots of opportunities. I didn't have this need to substitute anyone," van Gaal said.

Meanwhile, van Gaal feels that Argentina were lucky to register a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium in the other quarter-final game.

"I saw a match today that Argentina was just stopping and slamming on the brakes. I only saw one half of the Argentina match. The beginning was in favor of Argentina and after that, it was Belgium who dominated," added van Gaal.

"I thought Belgium was the better team in the first half. Argentina have strong individual qualities. If the gentleman next to you says Argentina always attacks, well that was not the case against Belgium. Not in the first half."