Netherlands v Costa Rica Match of the Day Live

# La la la la la la lala la # La la la la la la lala la

COMMENTATOR: These are the marches that really matter. Knock outgames

on the big stage. Higuain, that really matter. Knock outgames

on the big stage. 1-0, Argentina. Oh, the header just wide of the

goal! Argentina are heading to Sao Paulo.

Good evening. Argentina join Brazil and Germany in the last-four. All

eyes are now on Salvador to see if Holland can plot a course to join

them. I want to tell you of a legend. A

legend that grows every four years. It's the story of the Flying

Dutchman. It is also the story of a curse of restlessness and failure.

The story is my story. For I'm one of the Flying Dutchmen. We've been

doomed to spend eternity on a series of four year quests. A fruitless

search for the golden treasure. We always get close, so very, very

close. But I tell you, we remain united with belief we can lift this

curse. We will find what we're looking for and we'll finally return

home as heroes. I see a new foe standing in our way. A land

undiscovered, full of volcano and forest. A land of

undiscovered, full of volcano and forest. A land danger filled with

the proud people. COMMENTATOR: It's in. They want the

golden treasure and they too want to return home as victors. Costa Rica,

quarter-final. They want to keep us cursed. Van Persie, what a fantastic

goal! Will the curse be broken or will we be fated on this eternal

quest. The I'm one of the Flying Dutchmen. This is my time. That

wasn't Stephen McLaren with the voice over. The Dutch are the nearly

men of the World Cup. Losing finalists on three occasions. Here

in Brazil, Louis van Gaal's side have been impressive on their way to

the quarter-final, winning all four games and coming from behind in

three of them. Costa Rica were expected to struggle in the Group

stage but took seven points from Uruguay, Italy and England to finish

top of Group D before seeing off Greece in penalties. Los Ticos could

be the first team from Concacaf to reach a World Cup With us

semi-final. We have Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand. We

should reflect on the big story from last night, Neymar. He is out of the

World Cup. He suffered a fracture to his third vertebrae two minutes from

time after Juan Zuniga controversially kneed him in the

back as he tried to shield the ball. Neymar, Brazil's top-scorer, with

four goals, was clearly in pain as he left the field on a stretcher. A

statement from the Brazil football confederation later revealed that

although he does not need surgery, a recovery period of at least four

weeks is required. Which of course rules him out of the rest of the

tournament. Sad news. A loss to the tournament? It's bad for the

tournament. Terrible for Brazil and devastating for the boy himself.

It's funny, the last thing in that first-half I thought it was the best

team Brazil played. Passing quicker, moving, incisive. Everything was

coming through them. For the first time I thought they would win the

tournament. Silva gets booked. He misses the next match. The two

minutes from the end. I think he is unlucky. 99 times out of 100 this

tackle comes in. The guy receiving the knee in the back gets up and

walks away. Unfortunately for may marr. Bad challenge or one of those

things One of those things. There were a few bad challenges in the

game which I thought the referee could have stamped out early on. I

don't think there was any intent. It happens in the game. It's a disaster

for Brazil. He is the one guy that can produce the magic to win them

the game. The game was physical or filthy? A bit of both. Fernandinho

was lucky not to get booked. Hopefully we won't see that in the

next game. They have Germany which look the most drilled team and ready

to win this championship for me. We have one player left at the start of

the mural on this show. That is Messi. We draw it or something,

dole! Time to focus on tonight's game between the Netherlands and

Costa Rica. Kickoff in Salvador is just over 20 minutes away. As you

can imagine, there will be plenty of orange on display in the Arena Fonte

Nova. They are sampling the atmosphere in the stadium is Danny

Murphy and Jason Mohammed. This is where the Netherlands World Cup

began. JASON MOHAMMAD: Good Friday Agreement says he is not taking

Costa Rica likely, what is your thought on a Costa Rica upset? DANNY

MURPHY: He has to say that. They will be well-organised. They will

play defensively and hit them on the counter. I imagine the Dutch will

have too much of them. I can't see them limiting them to enough

chances. I think Holland will dominate possession. Costa Rica will

rely on the break away and the skill of Campbell and Ruiz. They are

worried about Arjen Robben's diving. He asked the officials and FIFA to

clampdown, what do you think? I hammered him a little bit. I would

like to say he is a wonderful player, everyone enjoys watching

him. Give him credit for that. It's not the first time with him, I think

he has let himself down. He is not the only one. It needs to be

addressed. Especially in World Cups. It seems more prevalent now

especially rather than the Premier League. It is not something he needs

to do. His talent gets him through anyway. I'm disappointed in him. I

think the manager has every right to ask the referee to keep an eye out

for it. Bryan Ruiz you know very well. If Costa Rica are to win

today, he has to have a big game? He will not dictate play for long

periods. He has magic moments in him. He can score wonder goals. He

can see a pass. Great feet and skill around the box. He is capable of

having a brilliant moment. Sometimes he looks for 20 minutes he is not

involved in the game he can then put one in the corner, a Chippendale or

a pass. Joel Campbell has worked hard. Either one of those two is the

only real hope for Costa Rica today. Thank you very much. We were at the

Costa Rica hotel last night after training. They looked relaxed and

they say they don't fear the Netherlands. You have the

top-scorers in the tournament alongside Columbia against a team

who came here with low expectationses. A David and Goliath.

If you look at Costa Rica they were great against Uruguay, terrific

against Italy, not so good against England. With the Greeks they

struggled for long periods. The way they played against the Italians you

would have thought the pace and ability and technical of Wesley

Sneijder and van Persie and Robben would be too much of them. This guy

has done well as well. He is single minded.

has done well as well. He is single for him. Rio, you have to fancy the

Dutch in this game. The last-16 for him. Rio, you have to fancy the

in the quarter-finals every single for him. Rio, you have to fancy the

favourite went through? No-one expected anything from them.

favourite went through? No-one game against Spain they smashed

Spain out of the park. They have grown from there. I think, seeing...

Spain out of the park. They have Even around Rio, I have seen them in

the bars relaxing. The manager has given them that responsibility - The

bars! The bars oochlt I walked in, saying, what is going on? They say

said they had a curfew and the manager believes in them and trusts

us. I have been impressed with them, five at the back, three at the back

or four. He changed systems to suit whatever teams they are

or four. He changed systems to suit against. It worked against Spain.

When they are chasing a goal in the round of 16 game he took van Persie

off, he put Huntelaar on. Creates one, scores the penalty. Big

decisions are working for him. You can be complacent. Sometimes you sit

in the dressing room and think it's anywhere over. Complacency is the

enemy of success. The manager is very single minded. He will be

saying the right things in the dressing room. That is ultra

important. Let us look at the Dutch starting line-up. Here it is.

Jasper Cillessen is in goal. He has tasted defeat only once in 12

appearances. Indi is recalled in one of two changes made by Louis van

Gaal. The other being Memphis Depay, who starts on the left. Daley Blind

has been given the responsibility of replacing Nigelle de Jong. Wesley

Sneijder has scored five goals in his last five World Cup knock

outmatches. Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben scored six goals in the

opening two games between them, but have not scored since. No doubting

the star man of the Netherlands, Arjen Robben has been electrifying

and at times almost unplayable. Despite his sensational form he

continues to divide opinion, Dan Walker reports. He admitted he will

take a dive if he believes it's necessary. He is trying to con

people. The man's ability is never questioned. His actions often are.

Yet another inspired performance was overshadowed by both the dive he

admitted to and the controversy surrounding that game changing

spot-kick. The talent, undeniable. But the dark side can't be ignored.

There was one foul, in the first-half, in the last moment I

think he took his leg away. I went to the ground without any touch. So

it was a stupid action from me. It had nothing to do with the penalty

kick. That is football. That has had nothing to do with any result of the

game. Sometimes you get it because he gets moments that it would be a

penalty. I think the first moment against Mexico was a penalty. He

didn't get it. He was trying to look for it. Of course, if he plays

against you, that is not nice. Yeah, what can you say? If it was against

us, for Germany, we would hate him! Glory in Brazil could change things

for the Flying Dumpman. COMMENTATOR: This is the chance.

Arjen Robben is in. Arjen Robben has been denied. Robben has eaten you up

the ground. He kept his feet. It looked like he caught Robben. He

could fall down. He didn't do it. He wanted to be the hero. He learnt

from these moments. I think he is more decisive in this way. More

mature. Louis van Gaal's tactics aren't the footballing fee lossty of

the '70s, Robben has the potential to join their long list of legends.

I think he is world-class at the moment. I think he makes the

difference for this Dutch He is team. Fast. He can score. He can

create chances for our team, for other players, o for himself. Not

only his pace, but how he uses it. He goes for you. Have you to make a

choice as a defender. That is I think his strength. What of the man

himself? He is here to win. You don't come to World Cup to enjoy the

weather and enjoy the beach. In Rio you come here to win matches and we

are in the last-eight. Nobody would have expected that from us. We will

try everything to reach the semi-finals now. We will focus on

him as a footballer. One hell of a player? One hell of a player. I

think since we saw him in the Premier League he has gained a yard

of pace from somewhere. When he's running at you, running at the

defence, it must be and is pretty pretty scary for them. Watch this

run. He sucks the defender in. Goes short to go long. Fantastic run.

Great ball. Very, very good touch. He's away. It's a very good finish.

Pace here, he is running against Ramos. He gives him five or six

yards there. He is no slouch. The way he gets away from him. He stays

up. Keeps his balance, keeps concentrated. Again, wonderful

finish. He could go down here. The the reason he doesn't is because he

has a sniff of goal. Space in front of him and he knows if he stays up

he can get away and a pop at goal. He did. He did it well. The same

thing here. Three or four defenders there he goes down. Gets a

free-kick. One or one or two on two he has a chance ever scoring. A

chance of getting something away at goal. Assists. This is for Depay.

The way he gets at the defence, uses his pace. That is all the positive

side of things. most difficult players to play

against. When he gets the ball, his first thought is, can I heard you?

He wants to run at you and cause problems. He reacts off you, he will

dribble at pace, and when you make a decision to tackle him, he shifts

the ball. How do you defend against him? Smashing, get in early, try to

not let him turn. You have got to get someone right behind him. The

extra thing he has got is the pace and trickery. When he is running at

you with the ball, it is tight to his feet. He is never going to have

a bad touch, so you will have to try and maybe nudge it to make him have

a bad touch. What about the diving? We heard Ruud Gullit sake, if it

were Germany, we would hate him! When he is in trouble, he is more

liable to go down. If he has got a chance to score... This is against

Chile, he is in trouble, he is down. It is the actor allows well. This is

against Mexico. -- theatrical as well. The other side of the coin, if

you are a defender and you put your leg out like that, you are asking

for trouble. It is the elaborate nature of it. What happens next is a

joke, by the way. This is what I am talking about, when you have got a

chance to score, he is not going down. He has every chance but no,

again, the lake comes dangling. He is entitled to go over there, but he

takes it on. He wants the defender to commit and make a lunch at him,

that is when he reacts. It will cost him in a game, because he will get

brought down in the penalty area and he will not get it given because of

his reputation. One guy who does not go down is Messi. Costa Rica were

50-1 to win their group at the start, but they have gone further in

this competition than at any time in history, so why stop? Jason Mohammad

has been talking to their assistant coach.

Football is a universal language, but at the start of Brazil 2014,

nobody thought we would still be talking Costa Rica.

I think the players, the country went up, you know, to play against

Balotelli, Pirlo, to win the game, that is something special for us.

Three former world champions, we play against them. The most

difficult test you can imagine, we passed that. I don't believe it,

Uruguay 1, Costa Rica 3! We have players who get together,

and they want to win as a team. That is our strength. Players like

Campbell, Ruiz, they are not the biggest superstars, but they have a

nice connection on the field. Small country, big dreams.

Unbelievable but, they have done it again! We knew that it wasn't going

well, but down in our Hearts we again! We knew that it wasn't going

we were going through that. We played against Greece without

we were going through that. We man, extra time, we go to the

penalties. Anything could happen. Michael Umana can win this for Costa

Rica. Costa Rica, quarterfinal! Making history. The second stage,

anything can happen now. Holland, they are the favourites, but we can

do something. At the end, if we win, nice. If not, nice. It will be

something we will remember. You are living the dream. The World Cup is

about life, you need to receive what life will give to you, and right now

they are giving us too much. This is how they line up.

Keylor Navas is a strong contender for the Golden Globes. Five at the

back for Los Ticos. Johnny Acosta comes in for the suspended Duarte.

Celso Borges has been impressive in midfield, Brian Ruiz is the top

scorer with two of their five goals. 22-year-old Joel Campbell will play

up front, his only tournament goal came against Uruguay. Rio, you have

picked out Bryan Ruiz, as Danny Murphy said earlier, he has magical

moments. He reminds me of a former team mate of mine, Berbatov, he has

a lazy kind of style, but moments like that, he goes past people. They

play together at full. Yes, they do. See that? A fantastic footballer, he

has a picture in his mind, he sees things and does the unexpected.

Here, a great header in the end, and he looks a different player in a

Costa Rica shirt, the responsibility of being captain, demand that the

team look to for inspiration. He grows in the Costa Rican shirt. It

was not the same at Fulham, it did not work out for him. But he guided

in here, you can see the look on the defender's face, how did he see

that? I really like watching him in a Costa Rican shirt. They are one of

the teams that has played a high line in the tournament. They played

a high line against the Italians, and against the Greeks they defended

deeper. If they play the high line in this match, they will be

pulverised. Because if you have got Schneider, Robben and a Van Persie

against you, you are in a bit of trouble. Do we expect a Dutch

victory? It won't be easy for them, but they have only conceded two

goals. It is the Netherlands versus Costa Rica for a place in the World

Cup semifinal against Argentina, your commentators in Salvador, Danny

Murphy and Guy Mowbray. Thank you, Gary. Good evening from

Salvador, the city of goals. There have been 24 in the five games

played here so far. The tone was set by the Netherlands on just the

second day of the World Cup three weeks ago yesterday. This is where

it started for them, with a 5-1 thrashing of defending world

champions Spain, featuring that header from Robben van Persie.

Today's opposition, Spanish speaking, with a Premier League

player, but Costa Rica are here long after they surrendered their crown.

There always seems to be one team that goes further than you might

think, Los Ticos are this year's story. Out of a group of three

former World Cup winning nations, they had a warriors like win over

Greece, and now the biggest game in the history of the small but

football mad country. This is what we will get before the anthems, as

with everyone of the quarterfinals, the captains reading out FIFA's

message against discrimination. The microphone passes from Robin van

Persie to Bryan Ruiz. Ladies and gentlemen, please

stand... Now we stand for the national anthems.

And now the national anthem of Costa Rica.

# Conquistaron tus hijos Labriegos sencillos

# Cuando alguno pretenda Tu gloria manchar

# Veras a tu pueblo valiente y viril

# Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz. #

I always think it is a little cruel when the microphones go that close

up to the players. They are here to play football at the World Cup, not

sing at an Eisteddfod. Everyone of them was trying to sing out proudly.

The injury to Nigel de Jong men change was inevitable for the Dutch,

and there are two changes, Indy starts for the first time after a

concussion in the match against Australia. The defensive midfield

role goes to Daley Blind. Memphis Depay comes in for Verhaegh, it

really is a side that screams attack, particularly with that front

trio, as it will be, of Sneijder just behind Arjen Robben and Robin

van Persie. A lot of Costa Rican supporters

never thought they would get to the banner holding stage of this World

Cup. Watch Arjen Robben, that was the

play from the Costa Rican coach yesterday. Uzbekistan's Ram Irmatov

has his work cut out in trying to work out what is fair, fowl or fake.

It is his fourth game of the tournament, having taken charge of

five in South Africa four years ago. The Costa Rica team is one that is

missing the defender that they call the rock, Oscar Duarte, suspended

after his sending off against Greece. That means a first start of

the World Cup for Johnny Acosta, now 30, he only made his international

debut at 27 against the nation that lies in wait for the winners,

Argentina. Undoubtedly take to Costa Rican hopes, Keylor Navas, Joel

Campbell and Bryan Ruiz, well-known to the Dutch from his time with

Twente and PSV Eindhoven, and well-known to Danny Murphy.

Bryan Ruiz? He has done well. He has had a tough time in Fulham. He has

shown in this World Cup the quality he has. He is a match winner. They

are going to need him tonight. All set to go in Salvador.

Ruiz superb finish against Greece. Headed the winner against Italy

Ruiz superb finish against Greece. all in white, who get the final

quarter-final of World all in white, who get the final

underway. Straightaway, the men in orange get themselves onto the

attack and try to put pressure on the Costa Rica defence. They needed

to blast that one away from their penalty area.

to blast that one away from their Rica get forward particularly with

their Rica get forward particularly with

chance might be a fine thing today? There is a line of five rather than

a three. They are airing on the side of caution. You can't blame them. Up

against of caution. You can't blame them. Up

Daley Blind has started on the left. The Dutch led us to believe they

Daley Blind has started on the left. were insisted Blind was a certainty

to fill Nigel de Jong's were insisted Blind was a certainty

midfield role. Look as though Georginio Wijnaldum will be carrying

out that job. They have gone to a 3-4-3. Which is a little

out that job. They have gone to a different than they have been doing.

I don't think there has been a coach at this World Cup who

I don't think there has been a coach van Gaal has. He has done it well,

hasn't he, at pivotal moments in games he has done it well. They have

lined it up as a five. games he has done it well. They have

to wait and see. Versatility, a key part of the way the Dutch play.

to wait and see. Versatility, a key There will be no complacency in

their ranks, not with Louis van Gaal in charge. The only previous meeting

between these nations at a FIFA tournament was in an under-20 World

Cup in Argentina, Costa Rica won 3-1. Louis van Gaal was the coach of

that team. You did well finding that. Up all night! It is definitely

a 3-4-3. Playing van Persie through the middle. Robben on the right and

Depay on the left. Here is Daley Blind playing behind Memphis Depay.

Knocked out by Johnny Acosta. I wonder what look you would have

got from the harden Costa Rican supporter if you said before the

start they would be here playing in the quarter-finals. They went

start they would be here playing in a Cup match last year to Honduras.

They have a free-kick. He has been unfairly blocked there Granodos by

Stefan de Vrij. I'm not sure there was too much in that. He will be up

and about before you know it. Nearly followed you to Charlton,

and about before you know it. Nearly Granados, signed a one-year loan,

but didn't get a work permit. He took that free-kick. Very nearly

caught the Dutch out. Unlucky. Good run from Joel Campbell at the back

post. Notes being taken already by the man to the right, to the right,

as he sits, Louis van Gaal. That is Danny Blind, father of Daley. He

played at the 19 90 and 94 World Cups. The three front players for

Costa Rica are squeezing very high on the central defenders. Trying to

make the keeper kick it long. A good tactic. It means the Dutch

make the keeper kick it long. A good have consistent possession of the

ball from the goalkeeper. Bruno Martins Indi. Allowed to wonder out

with it -- wander out with it. There's the man from Aston Villa

that the Dutch fans called concrete" Ron", big Ron Vlaar.

Robben, dropped into a pocket of space much he was followed every

step of the way. Depay, he can be a flying machine, if allowed to get

going. Gamboa straight to Sneijder. Depay

has Robben closest to him. Robben down. The ball was won fairly. In

fairness to Arjen Robben, he was quickly back to his feet. Had a

swing and a miss there. Ruiz can't take it for Costa Rica either. Here

goes Robben. Van Persie wants it across to the right. Depay to the

left. Van Persie, misjudged it. The flag

is being waved anyway. You can see from the opening exchanges that when

Costa Rica go forward on the break, like they did then, and commit men

forward, the big spaces that the Dutch love to counter-attack into,

they have to be careful when attacking that they don't give away

possession so easy, like Campbell did there, with a square pass. The

man we had a look at will be aware of all that. Jorge Luis Pinto, a

student of the game. Never played as a pro. One of those football

academics. He is an admirer of Jose Mourinho. Similar paths they have

taken. No playing pedigree, they know their onions.

Managed to get pass Umana and hold off Diaz. A corner. He did well,

Gonzalez, didn't dive in. Didn't give Robben a chance to do anything

bad. A positive run from Robben. What we want to see from him,

committing people. What we want to see, I know it's early, seems to be

making a concerted effort to stay upright.

Sneijder all the way back to Jasper Cillessen.

Bruno Martins Indi with the ball intended for Robben. It was missed

by Diaz, taken by Robben. Can't find Depay. Gamboa in from the right hand

side. Blind to Sneijder. Just thought for a second when Diaz made

that mistake Robben would be in and it would be curtains for Costa Rica.

Van Persie. Just rested his hands on the shoulders of Gonzalez. They have

to settle down Costa Rica. They can't keep giving the ball away so

quickly or they will be chasing a lot in the game. Bolanos chasing. He

won't get there. Seven appearances in World Cup matches. What is

evident, from minute one, the front three pressing high making the

goalkeeper kick it. The back five staying in line

goalkeeper kick it. The back five to the Dutch, the two wide men in

midfield they will leave them to keep the ball free. And shuffle

over. An interesting tactic. Would you see that, I suppose weakness is

over. An interesting tactic. Would strong, seeing Depay in those roles,

not what strong, seeing Depay in those roles,

The Dutch think they will have a lot of the ball not defending

The Dutch think they will have a lot of the game, which is a reasonable

assumption to make. They will have to choose their moments, Costa Rica.

Be nice and clever and put men forward as and when they have good

Gonzalez, had a look and saw that possession. So far,

Gonzalez, had a look and saw that Gamboa had set off. He does get

up-and-down that right wing, Gamboa had set off. He does get

seemingly limitless energy. He's on the ball now. Followed by Blind. He

managed to wriggle away from him. Gamboa

managed to wriggle away from him. Indi. Off balance.

managed to wriggle away from him. from Gamboa. Good balance and pace.

Now of course he from Gamboa. Good balance and pace.

that is being attacked here by Depay with Robben outside. Akers of space

in the box, if with Robben outside. Akers of space

know. Ruiz, lovely change of direction. Nice use of the ball too.

Well played. He surprise to see Bryan Ruiz heavily

involved in that. Lovely exchange there with Ballinamallard. Can't get

Campbell into the there with Ballinamallard. Can't get

to van Persie. Look at Depay go. Look at van Persie go! An

to van Persie. Look at Depay go. touch from Acosta. It was very

important. Actually, touch from Acosta. It was very

away from a turnover of possession. The best passing movement we

away from a turnover of possession. seen from Costa Rica. As soon as

they lose the ball, the Dutch are away, with their pace.

The noise you can hear building in the background is coming from Dutch

voices. Kuyt's throw. Wanted the return from

Robben. Robin stead Cleverley finds Kuyt's throw. Wanted the return from

van Persie. Now a Kuyt cross. Just where he is lacking a bit that,

Kuyt. A loopy, nothing cross. No pace on it. Not really picking

anyone out. Robben calling for a bit of calm

from his defender as he was tracked and beaten to the ball by Junior

Diaz. it is a Costa Rica takeover in the

stands, and they have definitely got the neutral vote in Salvador.

Very assured on the ball, Christian Bolanos. This is exactly what they

need, don't worry about having to attack, just get some possession. It

is the best way to get a breather from all that defending, keep the

ball a while, make the Dutch run around a bit.

They have started really well, Guy, they have not been overawed by the

occasion at all. De Vrij was callous, they have given it away.

Borges sensed his chance but couldn't go much further with it. He

will do that, he likes to break. Of the two central midfielders, he is

the one that will go. Is touch let him down a little bit, but good

anticipation. Having to work really hard, those midfield two. I know

that position well, it is tough, getting back in, getting up to help

the strikers, back in again. It is going to be a long day for the two

in the middle of the pitch. You galloped up the stairs! I use that

word loosely. That is a poor News of the World gallop. Depay showed a

little bit too much of its the World gallop. Depay showed a

Gonzalez. -- use of the word. Plenty of time for Vlaar and Martin is

there. It has been 16 and a half minutes in

which the Netherlands have looked as though they are going to assert

control of the game, but Costa Rica, as Danny said, far from overawed.

The longer they hold out, the more they are in the game, the more they

have a chance of what would be, let's be honest, one of the biggest

upsets the World Cup has known. They have already achieved something

unbelievable, nobody gave them a chance. Nobody is giving them a hope

this evening, including myself, but they have started off brightly,

confidently, they seem as though they are enjoying it. Fair play to

them! I think they deserve huge, huge credit.

Varane also has had a really bright start to the game. -- Bolanos. From

a Dutch perspective, they will be happy they have got some good

control of the game, but they would want the passing to be quicker, a

bit sharper, more incisive. They are a bit slow, a bit lethargic. Try to

play to those front always a little bit quicker. -- front boys.

Robbyn just dropped the shoulder and threatened to get away from him, but

he is all over him now. Here is Bryan Ruiz on the ball. Well-known

to the Dutch players, he played at Twente and then spent the second

half of last season at PSV on loan from Fulham. Ron Vlaar turns it

away. Gamboa covers some ground! He does, it is a good play, Campbell

doing what he does best, running at people, committing people. Nice

reverse pass, good cross, good move from Costa Rica, the best of the

game so far. Gamboa with the throat when he is

good and ready, when he has an option. He is probably having a

rest! He has already sprinted down the length of the pitch and back.

Ruiz trying to let that one dropout. It is with the help of Daley Blind.

On a serious note, it is important for Costa Rica, when they have

possession, they do get a breather in. They need to preserve their

energy so that they can get numbers in the box when they do attack.

hurry up from the referee there. This time it is the Netherlands'

ball to throw back in. I think the move to Palermo is the most recent

gossip surrounding Bryan Ruiz, not likely to be playing in the

Championship with full next season. No, it is unlikely. A very talented

player, someone will get the benefits of his quality. Campbell

might be benefits of his quality. Campbell

League with Arsenal at long last. Sneijder away.

Good save, Navas, here is Sneijder! A little mud gait bit more routine

for the Costa Rican keeper. Brilliant move, brilliant save.

Kuyt, lovely pic on the edge of the box, the keeper is off his line so

fast. We have seen Van Persie take those chances so money times. Much

easier for the goalkeeper, that is the threat, that is the danger. I

think it was Depay or the threat, that is the danger. I

the reverse pass, a terrific move from Holland, much better. Two more

saves made by the goalkeeper they call the Falcon, Keylor Navas, who

has saved 16 of 18 shots on target that he has faced at this World Cup.

They reported bid came in from Atletico Madrid for the

They reported bid came in from keeper in the last few days, but

they want the ?8 million in his contract.

You have to credit Robben there, he could have gone down, he was honest.

Arjen Robben and honest in the same line! He is a threat, though, every

tiny runs at them. They need to keep giving him the ball, he is the one

that is going to unlock them. giving him the ball, he is the one

finds Campbell. Campbell scurries away from Martins Indi. Nothing

happening to the left, he had to go back the other way. Blind stops the

cross, took the wind out of his sails, that, from Gamboa. He does

that well, Campbell, gets into the pockets and starts running at

people, clever little positions A bit of a fly hack from Ruiz, free

kick already taken. Sneijder with the lived through to

Depay, who went a little too soon, the flag is up.

It is a good run, trying to threaten in behind, just goes a little bit

early. That is the type of run they are going to get in with. It is

actually about five versus three at the back at the time, for Costa

Rica, five in a line against three Dutch forwards. If Blind and Kuyt

can push on, they are going to have a problem. That is given away, there

is a problem here. The flag is up against Van Persie, and he did touch

it. Robin van Persie in the box, definitely active at all times! That

will be a free kick for Costa Rica, but mistakes starting to happen,

cracks starting to appear. Yeah, a bit more pressure from the Dutch,

Van Persie earlier, he has got to be careful to stay with your runners,

especially in the box. He got away with it about time. On Tuesday

night, live on BBC One at half past eight, we will have the first

semifinal, Brazil against Germany from Belo Horizonte. Coverage of

that also on BBC Radio 5 live, of course. The second semifinal comes

the next night, and that will be between the winners of this game and

Argentina. Be semifinal stage already, I don't

know what we're going to do after extra week! I don't know what you're

going to do, I'm going home! I have loved it, actually, I have to say

the football has been wonderful, so loved it, actually, I have to say

refreshingly attack minded, so many goals, so many good games, and I

have had the pleasure of working with you, Guy! Steady! Costa Rica

coming forward with Campbell, blocked by Kompany. Martins Indi.

Mistakes from the men in orange as well. Yes, it is a bit sloppy, and

time having so much of the ball coming you do get a bit sloppy with

it. They are not really putting too much pressure on at the moment,

because they have been under a bit of pressure themselves, but that was

a poor pass. Sneijder is getting a little bit

frustrated there. I think he is having a go at Martins Indi, who

gave that ball away. This is a great opportunity for Christian Bolanos to

swing one in, curling one in towards Jasper Cillessen's goal. We saw

against Uruguay, the effectiveness of their set plays, they have got

some big lads. Gonzales and Umana are the two biggest towers of all.

It wasn't a bad ball, just a little too high. Really good ball, didn't

cover the back post area. Usually you have every part of the box

covered, but they all seemed to make similar runs there. He is lucky to

get away with that, actually, the hand on the shirt, he has to do a

little bit, I think it was Martins Indi tagging him. He will have to be

little bit, I think it was Martins careful. Not spotted by Ravshan

Irmatov, that one. I think you can rest assured that if he did spot

it, he probably would have pointed to the spot. The last thing the

Dutch want to do is give away a stupid penalty.

Forced into the mistake, Van Persie. Depay with a chance to shoot, Navas

is in a way of yet another one. Good save again. Ruiz giving the ball

away that time. Now a Costa Rica break, but it is controlled with his

hands. He is saying he didn't, but it was right under the nose of the

assistant referee. Run back, stop waving your arms in the air, the

decision has gone! Another good save from the goalkeeper. Navas has been

good this tournament, hasn't he? He has been one of their main players,

they're better performers, for sure. I read this morning that according

to the national registry, four babies born in Costa Rica in June

were given the name Keylor, presumably after the goalkeeper -

you don't hear it too often! 22 named after Joel Campbell, so they

are making an impact. You are making it up! I don't know where you get

these facts from, brilliant! I think I would rather be called Joel,

wouldn't you? A great save, that was the Dutch chance, two good chances,

a poor finish, really. Navas away. Dirk Kuyt plans to meet it. --

climbs. want in the release clause, no doubt

about that. Monaco and Milan, and the Atletico Madrid bid has been

rebuffed. The

all their own way. They've half an hour played in Salvador.

all their own way. They've half an dominant as I thought they would be

in terms of chances and opening up Costa Rica. Blind. I haven't seen

too many errors from him. Martins Costa Rica. Blind. I haven't seen

Indi. A little too rough in his atents to win

Campbell, does well. Battling with Blind. Reads the bounce just

slightly better. Acosta. Fouled by van Persie. Who was forced to run

back with him. Good defending from Acosta. Got in front of van Persie,

nice and strong. Forced the foul. Lewes look ing a at those two, it

underlines the difference in pedigree. I know that doesn't mean

they will play the game. Acosta had a loan spell in the Mexican second

division last year. It shows you how much hunger, passion, well-organised

team can take you. It's a similar story to America, if you like. Not

the most gifted players, not household names, the passion they

are playing with and the intensity is fantastic to see. There might be

an opportunity for Costa Rica here. Ballinamallard. That ball wasn't as

good as his previous free-kick. No, a wasted

-- Balanos. Was that a push? Louis van Gaal disagrees, strongly! He is

certainly a man of strong opinions, Louis van Gaal. Not sure there

certainly a man of strong opinions, anything in that. I think he slipped

and tripped on himself. Certainly what it looks like, on second

Nice flick from Christian Bolanos, viewing.

Nice flick from Christian Bolanos, he couldn't find Ruiz. They get a

throw-in. Has to make his mind up. Borges

bumped to the floor. I don't think it's the worst in the world for the

Dutch to have it's the worst in the world for the

Open the pitch up more and give them a chance to use their pace on the

counters we talked about earlier. a chance to use their pace on the

area which they can exploit, the Dutch, Costa Rica I should, Costa

Rica can exploit the Dutch. Better delivery needed this time. Looking

for the run. It was a great run. It's cleared away.

for the run. It was a great run. complete the job. The The

Netherlands can run away with Robben. No free-kick. There is

Netherlands can run away with He started to complain much he

didn't think he was get anything. Clever set play, Costa Rica. Yes,

this is the free-kick. Clever set play, Costa Rica. Yes,

Gamboa. A good job for Campbell that he didn't get him - when he was

trying to take everything out. Best chance of the game for Costa Rica.

Borges around the back. Really clever move, didn't pick him up. A

similar sort of free-kick, the Netherlands could threaten.

Sneijder is the decoy. Not good from Robben.

Kuyt. Blocked by Bryan Ruiz. Blind gives it to Martins Indi.

Costa Rica tried to play a runnout on that free-kick and play a high

line. One of them stayed in, very dangerous tactic. Not sure that is

what they should be doing. Big boys in there. Defend your box. Mark your

men. Don't need to run out and play high

They can certainly defend this Costa Rica team. They have shown that

throughout the competition. Never more so than in the last-16 against

Greece, 1-1 draw. They were 1-0 up for so long, until the last seconds

of injury-time. Robben has gone spiralling down to the floor. Costa

Rica are claiming he looked for something, but there did seem to be

a pull from Junior Diaz. It might have been theatrical, but I think

there was a foul. The replay will tell us, when we get it. I'm not

sure there was too much in it. Good run from Robben. Trying to get in

between defenders. He knows Sneijder has the capability to pick him out.

Junior Diaz is getting a booking. First of the World Cup. No danger

there. No, the referee must have seen something. Certainly when he's

at full flight, Arjen Robben, he is a hard man to stop.

It's within range for Robben or Sneijder. Looks frustrated that he

has to wait for the circle to be drawn around the ball.

Along way from Keylor Navas's goal. Only a shot seems to be in mind from

either of the two. Robben leaves this one for Sneijder! What a save.

What a try. A long way out to score with a curler from there. This is

the foul. Yeah. Good spot from the referee. Really good spot. Yellow

card. Sneijder tried to give the keeper the eyes. Keeper has not

fallen for it. Really good save. Clever idea from Sneijder. The

corner is a good one. Defended by Acosta. Miskick horribly by Depay.

Can't do that with a first name, Memphis. Daley Blind. We have all

done that before. Says Memphis Murphy. I liked his confidence to

try it. Not the best ball. Wijnaldum is on

the ball now. The pace screams for it. Kuyt is the first link in the

chain. Now it's van Persie. Sneijder. Signs the Dutch are

stepping it up now. Depay and Robben have swapped sides, to mix things up

a little bit. Blind. Nobody really in there for him. Sneijder to

Wijnaldum. They are having to work it. Having to work hard.

A lost of Costa Rica chasing and going on. Not a Good play. Look

where they forced the ball back to? Yeah. Well-drilled. Manager deserves

good credit for that. It doesn't happen just by saying it. You have

to work at it hard on the training ground.

Trying to spring Persie. Here is Robben. One touch to

control the ball, the second to miss the ball completely. Good defending

from Borges. Got back in. Robben didn't see him coming. Robben. That

is a lovely take. Through to van Persie. Out comes Navas, had to get

that right. Got it just right, like everything else he's done in this

tournament. What is impressive with Navas is his speed off the line.

That is the second time tonight. The van Persie chance earlier. A will

havely slide from Robben. So quick off his line. A bit like the French

goalkeeper. That pace. Narrows the angle very quickly. Went down. No

free-kick. Here's Depay. Van Persie wants it. Van Persie is seen off. He

has gone into the back of Michael Umana. Good defending again. Really

good effort from Costa Rica. Just when the Dutch are look dangerous? .

They are looking dangerous. Reverse pass. Umana stays with his man

They are looking dangerous. Reverse the box, what we talked about

before. Not sticking your hand up and trying to play offside. Staying

with your man. Hard work, good tackle, do the right thing. That is

the set play earlier. Costa Rica's best chance of the game.

Tejeda. Gamboa. Robben is met by Acosta. Ruiz's header. Acosta,

again, now Tejeda. Just got a little excited. He is allowed to, Tejeda.

Try harder? He has not stopped running the whole half. Honestly, he

has been side ways, he is helping his defenders out. He has been

everywhere. his defenders out. He has been

from him. He is allowed to be. One of the few in the Costa Rica team

who we were told is very open to the prospect to a move to Europe. He

plays with one of the leading club sides in Costa Rica. Only 22,

Yeltsin Tejeda. sides in Costa Rica. Only 22,

would like him Good foot work, Kuyt, and from van

rather than later. Good foot work, Kuyt, and from van

Persie. Costa Rica up as one from their dug-out. Claiming

Persie. Costa Rica up as one from Ruiz is having a word. Nothing is

going to happen. The dug-out is furious. Yeah,

going to happen. The dug-out is something. Vlaar, out of defence to

win the ball, and finds Sneijder. but does manage to squeeze it out to

Arjen Robben. Kuyt gets passed

Diaz. Again, Valiant defending. Only one more minutes to be added on.

They will be desperate for that string in the dressing room, get

those fluids in. They are having to work really hard to stop the Dutch.

Now Kuyt, lovely ball, good running. Yet again, a white rock in the way,

Gonzales this time. The referee is having a look at the

watch and brings to an end a first half that Costa Rica can be very

satisfied with indeed. The best chances have gone to the

Netherlands, like other teams before them, they have found Keylor Navas

in their way time and again, frustrated expressions on the faces

of some of the players wearing orange shirts. They have got a long

way to go to win this and book their place in the semifinals, Costa Rica

still very much in this World Cup. Waiting for something big to happen

in the game, I am sure there is plenty for the boys to talk about.

Netherlands 0, Costa Rica 0. Still all to play for, some of these

goalkeepers won't be beaten at this World Cup. Rio, perhaps the Dutch

spent too much time in the bar! No, I think they have had a couple of

half chances, Sneijder played a few nice balls in behind, but I think

they need to get two upfront. I would change myself and get two up

front, put them under pressure, get the ball around their centre halves,

they are having an easy time with one player. Alan, you have to admire

the fortitude and spirit of Costa Rica. We saw the USA against

Belgium, they were prepared to get men forward on the ball, commit men

forward, and Costa Rica are doing that, but it is costing them a

little bit, because the best moments from the Dutch have come when Costa

Rica have attacked and the Dutch have gone back with a quick pass and

attack them. That has been their best option, and it is high risk

from Costa Rica, it is brave, naive at times. There you go, you can see

they have got six or seven guys committed there, and one early,

quick pass, lift your head up, you are in trouble. There you go, five

or six out of the game now, and a better pass from Van Persie, and

they are in trouble. Again, they commit men forward in the box, three

in the box, look, but five, six ahead of the ball, one quick pass,

and that is how they have caused them problems. With the pace of

Robben, Depay and Van Persie, that seems to have been their best option

in the first half. Lovely in there on the right-hand side, and it is a

chance that Van Persie should put away. Good save again, it is moving

the ball quickly, not letting... It is letting Costa Rica attack, then

having the confidence to go, right, we are going to get at you now,

commit men forward, four on the four. With the pace of Holland going

forward, they have caused them problems, and that has been their

best out. What I find surprising is that at this World Cup we have seen

a lot of goalkeepers blocking like that, the finishing has lacked

imagination, from great players. Navas has had a terrific first half,

but you have to commend Costa Rica, because not only are they

disciplined and organised, but their energy levels are like unbelievable.

Al is right about hitting them on the break, but the number of Whites

getting back was unbelievable. What they have done exceptionally well is

they have left Dirk Kuyt out, they have eliminated Sneijder in the

middle of the park to a certain extent, and the back three play

along the back and Dirk Kuyt is not a playmaker. He either goes square

or back, and that gives the Costa Rica defence time to settle, and

tactics have been spot-on. This fella, Navas, blimey! He stops

everything, Rio. Has been unbelievable. This is a fantastic

save, I thought it was in. He just actually takes a step to his left

hand side and then manages to get back over to the right-hand side,

very good save. And this here, I mean, so sharp of his line, the

reading of the game glance, looking at the picture, expecting the ball

to come through, brave when he collected. He has got a great shot

stopper and can read it off the line, very quick to his feet. You

have played in front of great goalkeepers, it must make a great

difference, a huge difference with that confidence. Yeah, the

confidence in the back four comes from the goalkeeper. If he is

assured and decisive, it gives you the confidence to do your job,

rather than thinking about what is going on behind you. A good

goalkeeper is the coolest guy on the pitch, on his left foot or right

foot, he would deal with it, and that put us at our ease, and we

could be clear about what we were doing. It takes the pressure off

when he is a guy who will come and take crosses, rather than you make

headers all the time. It is all about communication as well, never

going to the bar! Costa Rica, not too many opportunities, set pieces

were the best, Borges. Well, a decent ball in. They have not had

many other than that. That is about it. They have lacked a little bit of

quality. When they have at the opportunity to go forward, they have

lacked that quality, the ball has not stuck with the likes of

Campbell. If it had, I think they would have attacked. As long as it

stays the 0-0 and they get set ablaze, anything can happen. You

made the point about Dirk Kuyt... Yes, playing along the back, this

happens virtually every time, a nothing ball up in the air, he picks

it up here, a lack of communication there. At no stage did he get it

down in this position and play anybody in. Now, Robben has come

short, he plays it long... I think... The one great as was when

he was further forward. He never sees these pictures, he has never

played in this position. When the ball comes to him, he has not seen a

picture to ball comes to him, he has not seen a

almost blind. When he got up near the goal of the right-hand side, he

played a ball he had seen a million times before. Alan and I were saying

he played on the left and right, he was sort of destructive when he

played for Liverpool, you never thought of him like that, he played

centre forward. As a playmaker, virtually nonexistent. In the other

quarterfinal, Argentina played Belgium in Brasilia, watched by

Simon Brotherton. This is the first meeting between

these two nations for 28 years, since the semifinal in 1986 in

Mexico City. Messi. Argentina have had most of the early

play. Messi, so difficult to get off the ball. The finish was clinical,

Belgian behind early on. -- Belgium. Plenty of red shirts

surging forward. Kevin De Bruyne. It was too long.

It is a direct route for goal, Higuain, off the top of the bar! It

has been an excellent performance from Higuain, he very nearly had a

second one with this shot. The header from Fellaini over the

top of the bar! Suddenly, that was a bit more like it from Belgium.

Delaney could not quite keep the header down. -- Fellaini. Not much

time left now for Belgium. Here comes Lucas Biglia.

Away goes Messi, he could put the finishing touch on the victory, good

save! Lionel Messi with a chance to finish at off for Argentina, denied

by the excellent young Belgian goalkeeper. Here is Witsel,

Martens, in towards Lukaku. He stays up, bit salt with the shot! --

Martens, in towards Lukaku. He stays Witsel. That is the closest

Martens, in towards Lukaku. He stays have come in this game for

Martens, in towards Lukaku. He stays time. He had to give it a crack, and

that might just about be Belgian's lot.

Argentina are through and continue to sort of stagger through this

tournament, that is the best way to put it. So disappointing, like the

French against the Germans, the Argentinians got the lead and

French against the Germans, the held on and just did enough. Are

some teams lacking a bit of steam, getting tired? There is also a

little bit of fear in there, a mistake and you are out, whereas in

the group games, where everyone seemed to be attacking, you are

allowed a chance. Just one goal. I said before the game, when was

Higuain going to come to the party, but I will tell you what, this is a

brilliant finish. Watch Zabaleta and Hazard, Wendy Maria gets it, the run

of Zabaleta. -- when Di Maria. But the finish is absolutely

sensational. He hasn't got any time to think about it, he knows where

the goal is, instinctive, a brilliant finish, the goalkeeper has

got no chance. We have seen some great saves, a few wonderful goals.

Do we have a contender for as of the tournament, Rio? This is what sets

Messi apart as the best in the world. He sees a pass like Gerrard

or someone like that. The defender thinks he has

or someone like that. The defender getting it, he says, no, this ball

is on a bit of string. This touch, the skill, just beautiful. They have

five or six attempts to hack him down. Other players in this

situation, it goes blurry. For him it is crystal clear, he is seeing

everything crystal clear. They have one bite, another! Another bite,

three! An example of what you were saying earlier, it takes a lot to

get Messi down. It does, but he should score! He never misses these!

We were on about dinking. I cannot believe how many one on ones have

been missed at this World Cup. You would have scored it! It is easy

watching it. One of the features of the World Cup has been the quality

of the goalkeeping, we have seen more examples in this first half,

nothing short of sensational. He somehow turns it on to the post!

Dani Alves looking for Neymar, clawed away! That is a big save,

actually! A free header, a terrific save, acrobatics denied him!

He made the save to keep out Thomas Muller! Good save by Tim Howard!

Ronaldo, great save! Di Maria has gone for it! Splendid save!

him! -- Bravo. Neuer has come a long way, he gets it right every single

time! Brilliant save. Sanchez. Saved again

by Cesar! Well done the goalkeepers. Some sad news to report. Real Madrid

great is in a coma. Di Stefano had to be revived by paramedics after

falling ill whilst with his family. The Argentinan-born player scored in

each of Real Madrid's five successive European Cup wins between

1956 and 1960. What a great player he was too. There is plenty of sport

to look forward to tomorrow. We have live coverage of the British Grand

Prix on BBC Two from 12.00pm. Over on BBC One the build-up to the men's

final at Wimbledon. It gets underway at 1.00pm. Looking into the

second-half. I mean, it's, the first goal is always massively important

in these games, isn't it, obviously. If Costa Rica can hold it the Dutch

will get more nervous. The Dutch move it quicker. They had

opportunities in the first-half. They will get further opportunities.

It's very difficult to envisage Costa Rica having the same sort of

energy in the second-half as they have had in the first. What we have

seen, Alan, in most of this tournament, certainly the knockout

stages, however tight it has been the so-called "big team" the

favourites have found a way? Absolutely. Holland will be content

if Costa Rica keep coming at them. They can sit and have the passes.

They might say, OK, come and get your four or five men forward, move

the ball quicker and forward. Lift your head up, is your first thought,

get the ball into the final third. That is where they will get success.

Louis van Gaal made good substitutions in games before?

Exactly. If Huntelaar comes on, he is not going to need two chances. He

puts the ball in the back of the net. Costa Rica are are looking more

comfortable as the half went on in terms of getting into their shape

and containing Holland. I think the longer the game goes on, I think

they will be more content and looking to go to penalties. This

could get very exciting. Let us rejoin Danny Murphy and Guy Mowbray.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you very much, Gary. Just in the nick of time for

the start of the second-half. 10 of the dozen goals that the Dutch have

scored at this World Cup have come after the first 45 minutes is up.

Costa Rica know what is coming. They will have to weather a storm at some

stage. It's dangerous taking the lead against the Netherlands, they

keep coming from behind? I think Costa Rica would love that

opportunity to defend a lead. I sense it will get more and more

intense, the Dutch pressure. The legs will get tired with all that

defending. A hook towards van Persie. Robben's down. He was sent

down, the referee had to look a long way to see that, but

Robben attacking Junior Diaz. Three in fact

What do you think the key message would have been from Louis van Gaal

in particular? Play with more tempo. Try to make things happen quicker.

Get the ball down. Keep the pressure on. Don't give them the chance to

get back in shape. Doesn't seem to be a tactical change at the moment.

Both teams seemed to have be a tactical change at the moment.

the same way. Bolanos, gets there. Stefan de Vrij gets there at the

same time. I think there might come a point in the game, like Rio said

in the studio, a second striker to put Robben up there with van Persie.

Play two up high. Good weight on that ball away from Dirk Kuyt.

Cillessen ready for the cross. Ever ready goalkeeper, having not had a

lot to do. Talking of the other goalkeeper, as

we were at half-time, when Costa Rica first got to the World Cup in

the 1990 their procession was down that their keeper, who is now their

keeper/coach. They are keeping it in the football family. Passing on

experience as well, isn't it? Invaluable, players who have been

there. Dutch doing the same with Daley Blind. The second proved one

too many. Blind. Costa Rica's throw-in.

Campbell, nice bounce Forced to turn.

Stefan de Vrij 22, has already captained the nation aal team. Shows

how highly they must think of him to how highly they must think of him

captain your country at 22 years of age. The ball goes back to

Cillessen. I wonder how long Louis van Gaal

will leave it alone? He has hunt hundred on the bench who could

partner van Persie, scored the winning penalty so calmly against

Mexico. partner van Persie, scored the

winning penalty so calmly against He could tweak the formation with the

players he has on the pitch of course. I don't think it will be too

much longer. Knocked on by Robben, not to a

team-mate, it's straight out. A slow start to the second-half proceedings

in Salvador. I think that is a point that was made about so much at stake

now that it's one mistake and you are out. The games are getting a

little slower. A little bit more tetchy at times. Yeah, cautious. I

mean, the Dutch need to be... I think they have every intention to

try and go and win the game. Just to play with a bit more pace and

intensity to get the attacks moving a bit more quickly. Otherwise, it

gives Costa Rica players the chance to spoil. The chance to get back in.

Get the front-line of five we talked about. Very difficult to break down

a packed defence if you are playing slowly. Robben, Kuyt went forward

this time. Robben is taken out. He went a long way through the air, I

think with justification that time. Caught in between Umana and, who has

a yellow card, Michael Umana. Junior Diaz was on the other half of the

sandwich. Yeah, I think that's - thou shall not pass. I think he was

lucky there. Diaz was already on a yellow. It's Umana's first of the

tournament. If you hadn't been booked going into the quarter-final

you do essentially get one for free. Single yellow cards get wiped out

after this stage. You might might as well use it. There speaks a pro. If

you know it will be wiped, you are allowed a free one again, why not!

Robben to take the free-kick. The jostling is just inside the penalty

area. Robben, something different to

Sneijder. He didn't really have a sight. Bryan Ruiz was half in his

way. He still let fly with some conviction. A clever free-kick. I've

seen it used quite a lot. Tries to pull round. Bryan Ruiz, clever

player, has probably done that free-kick many times himself. Very

aware, very sharp. Good defensive play from Bryan. Some Fulham fans

will be saying - say that again! Yeah. Just kept in by Gamboa.

Campbell, uses his strength against Ron Vlaar, who will win in the end,

if it is about strength. Acosta. Slotted in nicely into the

gap left by the suspended Oscar Duarte. Offside, Campbell. Went too

early. The Dutch will need to start to press higher. Trying to win the

Bala bit higher up the pitch. They can't be - it's not a group

Bala bit higher up the pitch. They where you can be content with 0-0.

They have to take risks and push on soon and take a grasp of the game.

Do you think there is a sense at the moment, watching them, they know the

chance will come eventually? Maybe. That is a risk in itself. As we saw

in the first-half, it's one set play, clever set play to the back

post. One defensive lapse you can be out of the tournament. I'd like to

see them push up the pitch 20 yards everywhere and maybe press the Bala

bit higher. Go and try and win the game.

Forced to turn this way and that by Celso Borges.

Robben, off he goes. Managed to poke it through to van Persie. A really

good block tackle. It will be a Dutch corner. Gonzalez, again.

Navas, forced to go back towards his goal. It's blocked by, first of all,

Diaz, then headed away. Reasonably decriesively. Now it will be a Costa

Rica throw. They have defended another one. They have looked

comfortable defending set plays. Well-organised, good height.

Clean sheets against England. Dead rubber effectively, certainly was

against England. Against Italy in the Group stage. Only conceded one

against Uruguay and only conceded in the last seconds against Greece.

Defenders who play in Norway and Costa Rica.

They are not what you consider clubs from the top of

They are not what you consider clubs Certainly well-organised. Well

disciplined. Passionate. You can tell they have been trained really

well. Organised by the manager in that line of five or three.

So far, in the second-half, not really been troubled. Gonzalez. Nice

cushioned header from Blind to Jasper Cillessen.

Looking down for signs of the Netherlands bench. Nobody is

doing stretching or warming up for them. The Costa Rica substitutes

are. Up towards van Persie. Gonzalez. Good positioning once

more. Robben, with his head down. Lovely

jump and nice bit of control to keep the attack going. Dirk Kuyt is up

there. He was blocked bygone gone, who is having a (inaudible) Sneijder

sees the passes. He opens them up. The one who has the vision. As soon

as he gets his feet, Robben makes his runs. Van Persie makes his runs.

Nice ball through to Blind. He put the brakes on successfully. They did

just force Diaz into a panic, behind for the corner. He wasn't sure where

Robben was. Better to be safe than sorry. Enjoying this one.

athleticism from Robben. Supremely fit, Arjen Robben, he seems to

expend twice as much energy as anybody else in his style of play,

doing things in the fast forward. He has worked hard to keep his fitness,

doing things in the fast forward. He because of his injuries. He has

worked because of his injuries. He has

fitness guys. Costa Rica on the charge, Campbell goes down, referee

is not interested at all. Nobody could have had a better view than

him. Van Persie, that is a push into could have had a better view than

the back of Gonzalez, that is a sign of just how careful the Netherlands

have to be. That is what I was talking about earlier, it only takes

one breakaway, one bad refereeing decision and you are chasing

one breakaway, one bad refereeing game. He is a little bit

one breakaway, one bad refereeing little nudge, not an to send him

over in my opinion. No attempt to play the ball. No, I don't think it

was a penalty, though. A little spell for Costa Rica, that

will be a free kick, De Vrij slamming into a side. -- into his

side. Well, if it has been a little bit too pedestrian for your tastes

back home, think what a Costa Rica goal could do for it! Goodness me,

the game would have to come alive. The Dutch would have to be bold,

courageous, throw men forward. I do not think you are alone in this

stadium. Talking about set plays in the first half, this is definitely

an avenue they can have some joy with. Really inventive on the one

earlier. Bolanos has been the free kick

master so far, but it looks like he's going to be again, he ordered

Borges away. Campbell trying to take Blind out of it. Just a dummy run.

The signal has gone up from Bolanos, and he goes for gold. I had a little

feeling they were trying the double bluff there. He won't try it again.

feeling they were trying the double Yes, a little bit adventurous, to

say the least. At least he is looking and thinking, can I catch

them off-guard? That was a tad ambitious. Half expecting Gamboa to

come in from the side and hit it. ambitious. Half expecting Gamboa to

Sneijder deal Martins Indi. -- to. There is an gangster about the

Netherlands' play. It is just a There is an gangster about the

little bit slow, Guy, no urgency. I think they think they have so much

control that they don't really need to play with that tempo. Sneijder is

trying to hurry it up now. Van Persie is offside. It will not be a

corner, it will be a free kick for Costa Rica. 18 second-half minutes

played. Yes, not much change from the first half. He has gone early

again, you could argue Sneijder played it too late, but I think he

made his run to early. The obvious way to see a change in tempo, if

they go a goal down, you would see everyone pressing more and playing

much quicker. Or a substitution, you know, take some risks. Huntelaar has

been jogging ever so gently, he has just made his way down the tunnel, I

am sure just temporarily. A block, Martins Indi on Ruiz, Ruiz

is calling form or that the free kick he has been awarded, and he is

going to get his wish - it will be a yellow card for Bruno Martins Indi.

Yeah, the same as the Robben one earlier. He grabbed him around the

midriff, brought down. Another Bolanos ball into come for Costa

Rica. It looks like they will blink first in terms of substitutes.

Jorge Luis Pinto is going to make a change. The free kick comes in, and

Cillessen stays back, and it is over the top. That is what I'm about,

Guy, that is exactly the type of thing that Holland have to be

careful of. Good defending from Vlaar. Yeah, really good, did not

give Gonzalez enough space to have a free header, but he was the target.

Costa Rica bringing a strike on, Marko -- Marco Urena, as soon as the

opportunity arises. The referee has not swivelled his head to see him,

but he has just got the message via the wonders of technology, a

straight swap, Campbell off, Urena one. He came on to score against

Uruguay in their opening 3-1 win. I am a little bit surprised, he looks

a little bit lately, but he has got the capability on a breakaway to

beat people and score a goal. The does not look a happy boy. No.

He scored at the World Cup having not scored a league goal for

Krasnodar in three league seasons, although he has not started the last

two. He has not scored a goal in the last

three seasons? He has not started a league game in the last two seasons,

but he is still there. Somewhat confusing, why he is in the national

squad if he is not playing. He is on the ball now. Good ball too from

Urena, just a little bit too hard to be controlled by Borges, but he has

started brightly, full of energy. Just a little too deep by Gamboa. He

had the room, he had it all laid out in front of him. Yes, good effort

from Gamboa, getting forward into areas, the attacking third. He just

overhit it a little bit. The first time they got a few men in the box

in a little while. Blasted up by Diaz. Easy for Cillessen. And we

have just over a quarter of the game to go. Unless, of course, we don't

see a goal, and then we have got plenty more to go!

Great tracking from Tejeda, he got there in the nick of time to help

out his defenders. It is a there in the nick of time to help

move. Robben coming in on the left foot we have seen so many times, a

little give and go, what you want from your midfielder, get back in,

spot the danger. Offside, Van Persie. We have said

that quite a few times. Yeah, he always plays on the shoulder, Robin

van Persie, but normally you don't see him get caught, but he has

tonight. It remains Netherlands 0, Costa Rica 0. A team playing in its

tenth World Cup, three times runners-up, always the bridesmaids,

the Dutch. The Costa Rica team are playing just their fourth Cup, this

is only the second time they have got out of the group, and did this

is already the furthest they have got.

Gamboa has gone down, and I think it was the way he landed. He jumped

with Daley Blind. No blame attached to him. Gamboa attacked it, and as

soon as he hits the deck, he crumbled. You looks as though he is

in pain. It would be a huge blow for them, he is a great outlet

down the side, Gamboa. It looks it could be his Achilles.

down the side, Gamboa. It looks jarred badly. Yeah. Words between

Cillessen and Urena, and not particularly friendly ones.

I hope we can see Gamboa comeback on. -- come back on. He

knee injury, but I think it is a bit lower down. I think so, he might

just need a minute or two to get himself together. Van Gaal

unruffled, the expression rarely changes. You looks remarkably calm

and cool, actually. -- he looks. would expect some type of change

from him shortly, whether personnel or tactical. It seems as if he is

challenging himself, how long he dare wait! Yeah, maybe! Martins

Indi. Gamboa is

just trotting up and down the touchline, as Vlaar plays it all the

way out to Dirk Kuyt. touchline, as Vlaar plays it all the

frustrated, that is out for a Costa Rica throw, and here comes Cristian

Gamboa. It was just a jar, temporary pain. Yeah, let's hope so, good to

see him back. They still have good substitutions, thankfully, if they

do need them, but he has definitely been one of their brighter players

this evening. A lovely touch from Urena, and

Bolanos is onto this! De Vrij made sure it did not reach

Urena, or Borges, who had made a run from midfield. Tejeda is moving

forward, so Costa Rica must be in a good place. He missed his chance of

a shot, I thought the chip might be on the bend in the far corner.

Martins Indi, shoulder to shoulder with Bryan Ruiz, Cillessen get it

out to Daley Blind. Just got behind that Dutch backline for one of the

first times in the half, I thought he could have taken it on, tried

something a bit more inventive. You can feel the nerves creeping

into the game more and more now from both teams.

18 minutes of the 90 two go, and we are moving towards one mistake and

you are done territory. It is a difficult place as a player, that,

you are done territory. It is a especially the back lads. You don't

want to be the one to make the mistake, lose your man, give the

ball away. for the little deflection up off

Gonzalez. Who is defending well. Robben, doesn't mind going backwards

to come forwards. Cool tackle by Gamboa, not so sure about his second

attempt to keep it in. Looks all right. Helped out by Acosta. Ruiz,

dangerous play, boots raised high by Gamboa. He has come back on with

something extra in his step, a little bit too much fire. That was a

bit rash. Dangerous play. Sneijder with the Netherland's free-kick.

Spice into the game now. There is a feeling it has intensified.

Sneijder, in. What a free-kick. The header is over. Couldn't have

delivered it any better. No. Terrific pace. Vlaar just gets under

it. Needed a lesser of a touch, a bit more of a glance. Can see a

Netherland's change imminent. Jeremain Lens is going to come on. A

striking option. It has not been rip roaring, but it

's a game that has something about it. You have to admire what Costa

Rica have done. Defended well, played to their strength. Tried to

counter-attack the Dutch when they can. It's up to the Dutch to break

them down and show their quality. Which, as of now, they haven't done.

Depay looks shattered. On his place comes Lens. Yeah. He's not been

great. Looks like, like-for-like, in terms of position. Van Persie finds

Blind. Lens first run. Can't quite get the

legs moving freely just yet. That is Tejeda. I noticed a few

moments ago they had number 22 ready. He has come on three times.

He sat back down and put a bib over his shirt. Robben runs into Diaz.

Netherlands get the throw-in. This is where it's a bit slow. Too many

touches. Lethargic with the passing. Robben breezes past the first

obstacle in his way. He wins the Netherlands a corner much they will

make a change. It's Gamboa, will it? Yeah. He has not run off the knock

he got. It will be a straight swap. Myrie is coming on. Keep giving the

ball to Robben. Let him be the one who beats people, injects that pace

into the Gamboa looks game. Broken, mentally and physically here. This

is the - he kind of jarred it. He Scotland Yard something, like a

straight leg. Straight leg and the heel went into the ground. So it

could be numerous things. He has certainly tried his best to give it

a go, didn't he? He's played well. He had a good tournament. I wonder

how ready Myrie will be. He was called up late into the squad

following an injury. This will be his competitive debut. Played a

dozen times, but only in friendly internationals. What a game to come

into, World Cup quarter-final, minutes remaining. There can't be

many players who made their competitive debut in a World Cup

quarter-final. A player who was sent off twice in the first three amongst

of the Costa Rican season gone. I didn't find that one myself. In from

Robben. Headed away by Diaz. Robben, surely the Netherlands need

him on the ball more Robben, surely the Netherlands need

they are going to win through to a semi-final against Argentina. For

sure. Diaz not deceived by the dummy cross. Made a bit of room now.

Offside flag is up against Lens. A good save by Navas anyway. Yeah. He

wasn't to know. Stepped up quite well, the backline. It's really

close. Probably just about the right decision. That man, Navas, again.

It's like watching a decision. That man, Navas, again.

him in goal. Everything off him, decision. That man, Navas, again.

is stuff of fairytales. He has not had much to do this

is stuff of fairytales. He has not going to say that. Tim Howard did

the going to say that. Tim Howard did

he had to do he did, remarkable performance. One of

he had to do he did, remarkable second-half he hasn't been

he had to do he did, remarkable busy, credit to the Costa Rica team.

We thought they might tire. At the moment, they look OK.

Up towards Bryan Ruiz. The ball won't break for Urena. Lovely lay

off to Lens. Sneijder has made a run here. Robben, down. Free-kick.

Yellow card. Right on the limits of the penalty area. It was almost on

the line. the penalty area. It was almost on

didn't he? Good feet from Robben. A bit of a tired lunge from Gonzalez.

Free-kick, yellow card. Right decision. If Costa Rica do defy the

odds, and reach the semi-final, he won't be playing in it. The

odds, and reach the semi-final, he blessing is that they've already got

their main centre-half suspended, who would be back. Duarte comes back

in. Acosta thinks, who would be back. Duarte comes back

incentive to win now, he stays in. He's done well. There is a long way

to go for Costa Rica here. Wesley Sneijder with the Netherlands'

free-kick.ment they have built a wall of four. He is peering around

the corner of it. He tested him earlier, didn't he? Tried to give

him the eyes. He has gone into crouch just behind that wall. Ready

to spring. Really difficult for Sneijder. The runners are ready in

orange too. Sneijder goes force goal! Off the post! Navas well

beaten that time. What a free-kick! Sneijder might get on to that.

Acosta in his way. Looking for Bolanos. Good strong

stuff. We are set for a Grandstand finish here. Arjen Robben, taking

three defenders with him. Stopped by Diaz. Look how quickly he is on the

ball again. Shirt being tugged by Bolanos. This is the free-kick. Goes

over the wall. Brilliant technique. Give Navas credit he was almost

there. If it was on target he might have got a hand on it. Very little

battle from those two on set plays this evening. Riding their luck now

the Costa Rica team. Arjen Robben, with the latest chance to deliver

something pretty special. Van Persie wanted it played in quickly. Managed

to free himself of any markers there. Over him this time. Off the

head of Gonzalez. Navas didn't get cleanly to it. Van Persie. Lovely

turn. Navas blocks. Kuyt is prevented. Costa Rica, clear. Can't

keep it in. That man, Navas again. I feel like we are repeating ourselves

a bit. Which Navas did you expect to star in the World Cup. Keylor is

brilliant. Great skill from van Persie.

This is a Netherlands side that was one done to Mexico last Sunday and

scored in the 88th minute before Robben won his penalty. Huntelaar

converted. 90 plus 4 the official timing. Fourth minute of

injury-time. Now, van Persie. He managed to pull it down. He couldn't

quite get the ball set in front of him. The pressure is building. This

is the chance from earlier, van Persie's right-foot. Gets down well

to his right hand side. Cleared the danger. The free-kick from Sneijder,

wonderful effort. Navas knew he had to get that pace to make sure he

couldn't get across. The pace was everything. That is the only way you

could have beaten him from there. The wall could have done more

actually, and jumped, technically a free-kick. Neuer might be running

Navas pretty close. I was going to say. Tejeda, couldn't take it and

run. Myrie, finds Ruiz, good tackle that from Robben. Snuffed out the

threat, straightaway. Yeah, well played Robben. Busy off and on the

ball. Working back for his team. Showing intent, desire. Four minutes

of the 90 to go. Myrie got the call from Acosta to leave it to him. Lens

was offside anyway. You might have been sitting back for most of it, it

might be edge of the seat time for the rest. I'm surprised there has

not been a change in formation from the Dutch. Even though they are

controlling the game, in terms of possession, they are not really

making lots of chances and opening them up. They are more half chances.

We've seen, in previouses games, Louis van Gaal, make changes that

have affected the game. There is a lack of urgency, there really is. It

doesn't feel like the quarter-final of a World Cup. Is at stake. A

semi-final is at stake. Lens. Holds up Acosta. Takes on Gonzalez. He has

had a super match. You took the words out of my mouth. He has been

the pick of the defenders. Been everywhere. Giancarlo Gonzalez of

Columbus Crew. He has two bookings now.

It is not often that the orange army of Dutch supporters are outsung. Van

Persie has misted! Surely he just had to make contact! They don't not

know what has happened. I cannot believe he has missed it. I thought

it might be a penalty, but I think he has just missed. What a ball from

Sneijder. For a man of his quality, it is a huge mess. Robin van Persie

with a goal on a plate. I think the defender just put off little bit. --

put him off a little bit. But that is as good a chance as we have seen

tonight, and if you wanted it to fall to one man, it would be him.

tonight, and if you wanted it to Less than 90 seconds of the 90

minutes to go, and then whatever is added on. Offside, Lens. The

Netherlands have failed to win any of their four World Cup matches that

have gone into extra time. Well... It could change!

Snide again, he has been the one this half. -- Sneijder. Bolanos

still battling away. Van Persie beaten to the ball by the

interesting. Van Persie beaten to the ball by the

-- Acosta. He had to do better there Van Persie beaten to the ball by the

for his team, take it Van Persie beaten to the ball by the

a throw in. Four minutes, it will be a long four minutes for

Robben has got the momentum for a run at Diaz, and Diaz has brought

him down. Diaz is in the book. He is surely going here. The referee has

just looked down to check the number. He is letting off. I think

he is, you know. Well, that is incredible. I think if he was going

he is, you know. Well, that is by the letter of the law, it

he is, you know. Well, that is yellow card, but

he is, you know. Well, that is malicious. I do not like to see

players get yellows for that, really. We can't afford to even

slightly missed time that. No, I know. He is lucky, for sure he is

lucky. What he has done is give away a free kick to the Netherlands, and

Van Persie. Well, he couldn't score could run out.

Van Persie. Well, he couldn't score from two yards out, how about from

the angle of from two yards out, how about from

we have seen from Navas, he will have to hit a worldie. We have seen

him score them from there before. We have. Robin van

him score them from there before. We ready. Iodine, straight at the

gloves of Navas. -- fired in. Lovely ball in! Missed by everybody!

Incredible scramble! De Vrij has run

again, isn't it? How on earth did that not going in -- not go in?!

again, isn't it? How on earth did Tejeda on the post! Sometimes you

start getting a feeling. Could it be Navas' night?

start getting a feeling. Could it be way to go, if it goes to extra time,

but... He needs to blink that out. That came off one defender, then

onto the defender on the line, who mis-kicked it onto the bar, and

Robin van Persie must be thinking, what does he have to do?

Robin van Persie must be thinking, minutes of injury time played, the

board said four. Up towards Van Persie again,

Gonzalez' header straight to Robben. He finds his balance and finds

Sneijder. Sneijder is looking for Kuyt. Bolanos dropped back in.

Kuyt, a measured ball. Gonzalez is there every time. He has been a

rock. He has got to keep the ball better, come back, get some passes

in! The flag is up against Arjen Robben, and I think time might be up

for the Netherlands. They will be forced into extra time here. And we

still don't know whether or not they will be forced out of the World Cup.

Robben actually was not offside, comfortably on. I think he has to do

more for his team, get hold of the ball. Well, in the stadium where the

Netherlands began their campaign with a 5-1 win over defending world

champions Wayne, they have been held to a goalless draw against Costa

Rica. -- Spain. We are going to extra time. 0-0 in Salvador.

Extra time it is, and somehow Costa Rica holding onto the end of there,

it just shows you, if you wait long enough, you get excitement in the

end, especially at the World Cup. Knockout, extra time, the

possibility of penalties, stick with us, it could get really exciting in

extra time, as we have seen in so many times at this tournament. It

seemed to open up at the end. many times at this tournament. It

Absolutely, the first was a bit poor, the second half was a

nonevent, then it came to light. The biggest scramble you have ever seen

at the end, Sneijder had a great shot, a great ball in to Van Persie,

and the Dutch had four great chances but failed to convert. The Dutch

work very poor for much of that second half, and as soon as they

picked their heads up and moved the ball a lot quicker, that is when

they started causing problems. When Sneijder was able to pick his head

up, their first thought was passing it forward. That is when they had

their chances. This was close! I just cannot believe that ability.

The keeper was not getting that! I think Navas has been

unbelievable, the goalkeepers have had a great tournament. Navas is in

the way again. I think Gonzalez, the centre half for Costa Rica, deserves

a special mention, he has been fantastic. A great ball, how does he

miss this?! I think he goes with the wrong foot, his balance is wrong. He

hits it with his left. It is not like his left foot is poor.

hits it with his left. It is not exactly! In the last five minutes,

he should have had a hat-trick, Van Persie. This is the scramble, one,

two, three, four, one of the great clearances off the bar! Absolutely

amazing. Your former team-mate has probably not enjoyed that very

much. Chances are coming, he will be thinking, I am getting chances, I am

happy with that. As a forward, as long as you are getting the chances,

fine. Sneijder has been the best player, brilliant. What we have seen

in some of these games in the two and is that sometimes the smaller

nations have hung on and hang on, and then it is almost like, we have

done it, then they have conceded goals pretty quickly in extra time.

We may see the same again, we may not. The team that are expected to

win have realised, coming to 85 minutes, one mistake and they are

out. So you have to go for it, by gambling a little bit. Gary is right

in what he is saying, there is always an exception to that rule. In

this game, we talked about the energy levels of Costa Rica and said

that they could not keep going in the second half as well as they did

in the first half, but they did. They kept on going and going, Rio,

didn't they? Costa Rica look out on their feet, towards the end of that

half they were camped in their box. This is the problem that you have

got with Holland, though, passing it slow, coming into the last 15

minutes or so, I am saying one mistake, and that could just be the

mistake, a little nudge. I have just seen a Dutch goalkeeper, first-time

for about an and 20 minutes! Look, what a resilient bunch this art.

Great spirit. Their determination not to be beaten. I think it has

been said, they have got a great attitude, they have got a work

ethic, they are all prepared to put a shift in. If you do that, you have

got a chance. They are organised, drilled, they have got great

communication, a never say die attitude. Rio, the Dutch are walking

around, looking refreshed, Van Gaal saying, get up, the Costa Rica

players are lying on their backs. Sometimes that comes from the

managers, get out early, show that you are ready, wait for them on the

pitch, they will see you waiting. It might also be that once you have

been working hard, the other team have not, the energy levels of Costa

Rica... At this stage, we have seen it in the games before, experience

tells, and the Dutch experience, they are composed. They have got to

do what they did in the last ten minutes, keep the pressure on,

forced the play, move the ball quicker, make the forward pass,

rather than backwards. When they did that, they caused problems. I think

the Costa Ricans will hope for penalties now. As they showed in the

last round, they are not bad at those, and the Dutch have not got a

great track record. And they have also got a great keeper, the Costa

Ricans! They are changing ends for another 30 minutes. It is all Danny

Murphy's and Guy Mowbray's. Thank you, Gary. Costa Rica is one

of the few sovereign nations in the world without an army. They have got

some fighters. Proving themselves every step of the way in this World

Cup. How fit is Bryan Ruiz, Danny? Can he run all night? Nope! Do you

know what? We need to praise them for getting to this point, because

I, like many others, did not think they would get anywhere near the

Dutch tonight. The Dutch have disappointed, they have not played

with great urgency, but that backline, they have defended like

heroes, honestly. Gonzalez especially, as Rio said in the

studio, has been absolutely immense. Can they hold out for another half

an hour? Stefan de Vrij on the ball for the Netherlands, no changes in

terms of the players at there for now. Costa Rica have one

substitution left, Louis van Gaal has two available, one of them being

Huntelaar. I think we has two available, one of them being

Argentina players will be supporting now. They are waving Costa Rican

flags right now. Robben De mise is way out of it,

which side of the flag has that gone? -- dummies.

which side of the flag has that Messi waving his little flag around,

can you?! If they have travelled Robben hadn't

correctly. It Robben hadn't

Persie running together. A clever Both onside. I think they are.