We bring you the best footballing quotes of the day.
There may not have been any 2014 FIFA World Cup action today, but plenty of dust still had to settle from yesterday’s huge quarter final clashes that saw Argentina and The Netherlands progress at the expense of Belgium and Costa Rica.
The key players in those dramas, such as Dutch manager Louis van Gaal who decided to bring on Tim Krul just for his team’s penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica, have now had their say on the action.
With domestic football getting ready to start gearing up again and the transfer rumour mill remaining in full swing, there have been plenty of interesting quotes uttered today.
Louis van Gaal explains Tim Krul move
Louis van Gaal has explained his controversial decision to withdraw first choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica:
“We all thought Tim was the best keeper to stop penalties.”
“He is taller and has a longer reach.”
“It worked out. That was beautiful. I’m a bit proud of that.”
The moment came as a huge surprise as van Gaal decided to use his spare substitution to make the goalkeeping switch, with Newcastle man Krul going on to save two Costa Rican penalties in the Dutch victory.
Krul defends shoot-out antics
Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul has defended his behaviour in the penalty shoot-out, in which he appeared to engage in some gamesmanship with the Costa Rican penalty takers:
“I don’t think I did anything wrong. I did nothing crazy. I didn’t shout in an aggressive manner.”
“I told them I knew where they were going because I had analysed it. It worked.”
Meanwhile, first choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen admitted that he wasn’t aware of the plan:
“I didn’t know it was going to happen, so I was angry. I wanted to play the penalty shootout.”
Neymar still dreams of a Brazil victory
Injury stricken Brazil star Neymar has said that he still dreams of becoming a world champion, with his nation two wins away from lifting the trophy:
“I’m certain my team-mates will do everything so my dream, which is to be a champion, comes true.”
“I am sure they will win this Cup and be champions, and I will be with them, and all Brazilians will soon be celebrating all of that.”
The Barcelona star has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a serious back injury after a challenge by Juan Zuniga in the quarter final win over Colombia.
Erik Lamela Ready to Shine
Tottenham Hotspur’s record signing flop Erik Lamela has tweeted that he is getting ready for the new season and working hard in pre-season training:
New Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is known to be particularly demanding when it comes to pre-season training.
Sabella lavishes praise on Messi
Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, who was again pivotal as his team edged through to the semi-final:
“He was our water in the desert.”
“When the terrain was dry, he, once again, gave us a chance to breathe fresh air.”
Messi has been the key man for Sabella all the way through the tournament, providing the defining moment in each victorious match.