The Dutch national football team players were disappointed to lose on penalties in their World Cup match on Wednesday night, but are proud to have come so far.

Oranje lost to Argentina 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals and will play Brazil on Saturday for third or fourth place.

National coach Louis van Gaal told Nos television after the match: ‘We were so close, but we did not score and penalties are a lottery.’

Substitute

Asked why he did not substitute goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul in extra time, as he did to good effect in the win against Costa Rica, Van Gaal said he hesitated about his third substitution.

In the end he decided to substitute Robin van Persie, who has been suffering from a stomach bug, for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. ‘Van Persie was on his last legs,’ he told the Nos.

Quiet

Defender Stefan de Vrij told the broadcaster it was very quiet in the changing room after the match. ‘Logical after such a disappointment,’ he said.

Of the match, De Vrij said that while Oranje had given little away, they had also created little. ‘It was right that it went to penalties.’

Keeper Cillessen said he wants to ensure revenge during the match against Brazil on Saturday. ‘We must make sure we do not lose twice in a row.’