World Cup 2014: "No One Wanted First Penalty" - Louis van Gaal Reveals Bitter Defeat To Argentina

Netherlands coach, Louis van Gaal says two of his players refused to take the first penalty in their World Cup semi-final shoot-out defeat by Argentina.  Defender, Ron Vlaar stepped up but Sergio Romero - a player who was "taught how to stop penalties" by Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar saved his kick.

Argentina won the shootout 4-2 and will face Germany in Sunday's final. "I asked two players to take the first ball before ending up with Vlaar," said new Manchester United boss Van Gaal. "I thought he was the best player on the pitch so should have confidence."

Van Gaal was also left to rue the intervention of goalkeeper Romero, who he signed for AZ from Buenos Aires-based Racing Club in 2007. The Argentine spent two years working under Van Gaal before the 62-year-old departed for Bayern Munich.
 "I taught Romero how to stop penalties, so that hurts," Van Gaal said. "We were the club to bring him to Europe. "He was a big talent, and someone who has the qualities to do that." 

Goalkeeper Romero sought out his former manager at the end of the match. "I went to the dressing room to thank him," he said. "He is someone who helped me a lot when I arrived in the Netherlands, in a completely different country, with different customs. "At the beginning I didn't speak a word, and he spoke Spanish and he helped me a lot."

Against Costa Rica, Van Gaal brought on substitute goalkeeper, Tim Krul in place of Jasper Cillessen for the shoot-out - a tactic which worked as Krul saved two spot-kicks. But he was unable to call on the Newcastle player again, having already made his three substitutions after withdrawing Van Persie in favour of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. "If I had had the opportunity to substitute Jasper I would have done that but I had already used three substitutes so I couldn't," Van Gaal said.
"I thought it was necessary to get Van Persie out because he was on his last legs. My feeling was that Huntelaar would make the goal." 

Source: BBC Sports UK