6 July 2014

Netherlands take the last semi-final spot (FIFA WC 2014 QF)



In a nailbiting thriller between the Netherlands and Costa Rica, which even included penalties, the Netherlands prevailed 4-3 on penalties to take the last spot in the semi-finals.


The lowest ranked team in the World Cup finals, Costa Rica could have found themselves in the semi-finals. They even overshadowed Spain, the highest ranked team in this World Cup. Costa Rica could have also become the first CONCACAF team to make it to the semi-finals since 1930.


In the beginning there was not much action in the match. Both teams had a very slow start but Netherlands looked to be squeezing pass Costa Rica's defense.


The Netherlands had plenty offsides. If those resulted in goals, Costa Rica would have been distraught.


The slow paced match, without any goals scored in the first half, appeared to be the first team in the quarter-finals who might take the match to extra-time and maybe even penalties.


The drama came at the end of the match with a massive attack from the Netherlands. However, they couldn't find the back of the net.


At times the Netherlands defense would pass the ball between themselves, much to the aggravation of Costa Rica.


The busiest of the goalkeepers was Navas who managed to save shots from van Persie, Sneijder, Memphis and a few others. Sneijder even managed to hit the crossbar twice.


The Netherlands attack at goal brought the match to life. They looked to liven things up with two shots at goal, one from van Persie and the other from Sneijder. The closer the Netherlands got for a shot at goal, van Persie was caught offside.


Costa Rica also came alive during a free-kick and that was their best chance in the first half.


Goalkeeper Navas was called into action again after Robben was fouled, the referee gave the free-kick. Sneijder took a beautiful set piece which was saved by Navas.


In the second half Costa Rica attacked more than the Netherlands. They looked better than they did in the first half. Unfortunately for the Netherlands, their chances were disappointed by a constantly offside van Persie.


The introduction of Costa Rica's first substitute brought positive change for them. So Costa Rica's chances kept increasing.


Extra-time it was. Would it end in 30 minutes or would penalties be involved?


The Netherlands have never won a match that has gone to extra-time. They've been there 4 times and have lost on all 4 of those occasions.


Even in extra-time the Netherlands were behind the attack.


They Netherlands had the best chances in extra-time. However, they kept struggling with the offsides. Costa Rica on the other hand, received their first corner of the match. Then a late charge by Costa Rica shook the Netherlands defense.


In the end, it was the penalties that decided who took the last spot in the semi-finals.