Manchester United-bound manager Louis van Gaal admitted that his first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen knew nothing of his intention to bring on Tim Krul for the Netherlands' penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the World Cup quarter-finals.
With just one minute of stoppage time remaining at the end of extra-time, van Gaal made the bold call to replace Cillessen with Newcastle United's Krul.
But his decision proved to be a tactical masterstroke as Krul saved from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to take the Dutch through to the last four.
Krul's ability to save from 12 yards in training as well as his slightly bigger frame helped Van Gaal make his decision but he admitted it was best that Cillessen was left in the dark.
"We thought it through, every player has certain skills and qualities and they don't always coincide," said Van Gaal.
"We felt Tim [Krul] would be the most appropriate keeper to save penalties. You would have seen that Tim dived to the right corner twice.
"We're a tiny bit proud this trick has helped us through. We said nothing to Jasper because we didn't want him to know before the game.
"But as I've explained, every keeper has specific qualities. Tim has a longer reach and a better track record with penalties than Cillessen.
"We had discussed it with Tim. He knew about their penalties because he needed to be prepared. It worked out. If it hadn't, it would have been my mistake."
Cillessen may not have been the preferred choice in the shoot-out but a save from the Ajax keeper three minutes before the end of extra-time kept Holland in the tie.
Argentina await Van Gaal's side in the semi-finals and despite a penalty success he believes finding the back of the net remains the most important thing.
"It was exciting, thrilling. They had their only chance in the 117th minute. We had all the chances but, if Cillessen doesn't save that, we're out," he added.
"I don't know how much of the ball we had and how many shots against the woodwork and how many chances we had.
"It goes to show a goal is the most important thing. Nothing else counts, especially in a tournament like this."
