Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul on Sunday revelled in the role of unexpected hero a day after he became the star of his side's shootout success over Costa Rica.

Coach Louis Van Gaal elected to bring on Newcastle United keeper Krul for Jasper Cillessen of Ajax just seconds before the end of extra time in their goalless encounter.

Van Gaal decided 26-year-old Krul, 6ft 4in (1.93m) tall and 6 cm taller than Cillessen, was the better bet for spotkicks.

The substitute duly saved two to propel the three-time finalists into a semi-final meeting with Argentina.

Krul told a press conference he had learned from goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek just ahead of the game about the cunning ploy.

"The manager and the goalie coach told me before the game if we had a substitute left the possibility was there to use me in the penalty shootout," said Krul.

"The whole game I was watching it differently because I knew the possibility was there" to come on, said Krul, who joined Newcastle from Den Haag in 2005.

"I am trying obviously to get into their heads and it worked yesterday," he added, having said after the game he had "psyched out" the Central Americans in saving from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana

Cillessen appeared to be angry as he went off having first touched gloves with Krul -- he kicked out at the water bottles by the dugout and splashed defender Bruno Martins Indi.

"For me it was a big surprise," said Cillessen.

But he insisted: "I was only angry until I got out. It cooled him (Martins) down," the Ajax shot-stopper said.

Krul said he accepted his position as second choice in a national side riven by battles between big egos in the past but now pulling in one direction as they chase a first title after final losses in 1974, 1978 and 2010.

"We have got 23 players and obviously everyone wants to play. I have been training day in, day out to prove myself to the manager," said Krul.

"There is no jealousy. Obviously, I would like to play but Jasper is our number one at the moment," said Krul, concluding that it was up to him and third keeper Michael Vorm to keep Cillessen "sharp".

Minutes after his exploit, Krul told Dutch broadcaster NOS: "Hoek came to me and said 'If we have a sub left there is a chance you'll have to come in'" And then it happened!"

He added: "I psyched them out -- I tried to get in their minds."

NOS immediately dubbed him "a national folk hero."

Van Gaal, who will take over at Manchester United after the tournament, kept the decision a secret from Cillessen.

"We all thought Tim was the best keeper to stop penalties," said Van Gaal. "He is taller and has a longer reach.

"We said nothing to Jasper because we didn't want before the match for him to be faced with this information as it would be disappointing."

After the game Van Gaal exulted: "It worked out. That was beautiful."

Minutes after his starring cameo Krul tweeted his delight: "Words can't describe how proud I am to be part of this team and this fantastic journey."