Oranje "fresh & fruity": Van Gaal

After four days off following the penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica, the Netherlands is ready to take on Argentina and go on to win the World Cup, according to Dutch coach Louis van Gaal. He also told NU.nl that if his squad goes into a shootout situation with Argentina on Wednesday night he will try to substitute in goalkeeper Tim Krul again.

Speaking of the match with Costa Rica, he said, “That was very difficult. But a top athlete who is fit, can the third day and definitely the fourth day after a match be fresh and fruity again.”

He also said he has no intention of starting new Dutch hero, goalkeeper Tim Krul. “Jasper Cillessen is doing well. But in stopping penalties, the other two keepers are better and I chose Krul.”

Van Gaal also deflected away praise for making the unconventional choice of substituting goalkeepers at the last minute against Costa Rica, saying the players deserve all the credit. He said the players have made good, fast decisions despite challenging weather conditions.

“This my players have done well so far.”

The Netherlands battles with Argentina in the World Cup semi-final Wednesday in São Paulo at 10 p.m.