Costa Rica fans are excited before the match.

Costa Rica fans are excited before the match.

Dutch and Costa Rican players unite in anti-racism message.

Dutch and Costa Rican players unite in anti-racism message.

The Netherlands was the team with the first dangerous opportunities in the first half.

The Netherlands was the team with the first dangerous opportunities in the first half.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas became a human shield for Costa Rica’s goal with excellent saves.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas became a human shield for Costa Rica’s goal with excellent saves.

Robben is still the soul of the Dutch attack.

Robben is still the soul of the Dutch attack.

Van Persie appeared ungainly in the match against Costa Rica when his finishing was not sharp.

Van Persie appeared ungainly in the match against Costa Rica when his finishing was not sharp.

The Dutch captain missed many opportunities, including a missed kick right inside the 5m50 box.

The Dutch captain missed many opportunities, including a missed kick right inside the 5m50 box.

Costa Rica’s defense also played very fiercely, preventing the Netherlands from scoring goals.

Costa Rica’s defense also played very fiercely, preventing the Netherlands from scoring goals.

Luck was also on Costa Rica’s side when the ball hit the wooden frame twice after Sneijder’s shots.

Luck was also on Costa Rica’s side when the ball hit the wooden frame twice after Sneijder’s shots.

Coach Van Gaal’s landmark decision to send goalkeeper Tim Krul onto the field in the last minute of the match.

Coach Van Gaal’s landmark decision to send goalkeeper Tim Krul onto the field in the last minute of the match.

On penalties, Van Persie opened the scoring successfully for the Netherlands.

On penalties, Van Persie opened the scoring successfully for the Netherlands.

Tim Krul pushes Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz’s kick on the second shot.

Tim Krul pushes Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz’s kick on the second shot.

Dirk Kuyt successfully made the fourth kick for the Netherlands.

Dirk Kuyt successfully made the fourth kick for the Netherlands.

Tim Krul pushed the game-winning shot in the fifth off of Michael Umana.

Tim Krul pushed the game-winning shot in the fifth off of Michael Umana.

Krul’s push helped the Netherlands enter the semi-finals after a penalty shootout with a score of 4-3.

Krul’s push helped the Netherlands enter the semi-finals after a penalty shootout with a score of 4-3.

Bao Lam