World Cup quarter-final preview: Netherlands v Costa Rica

The dynamic Dutch duo were not on target in their country’s last two encounters, though, including in the last 16 against Mexico, where they came within minutes of crashing out. Manchester United fans would have been very pleased looking on to see that their new manager Van Gaal sides can produce magic right at the death as well.

Goals from Wesley Sneijder, in the 88th minute, and a stoppage time penalty from substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar saw off a spirited Miguel Herrera-led Aztecs. The Galatasaray midfielder is 15/8 to score again in 90 minutes, while the Schalke striker is 4/1 to net last.

On the upcoming game, Sneijder said: “[Costa Rica] will have more fans than we have, and [against Mexico] we could see the same but I think it’s something nice as well you know. Better than nobody; it’s good.”

Jorge Luis Pinto’s men, on the other hand, have managed five goals this tournament so far, with out-of-favour Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz getting two. He is 4/1 to get a goal again anytime. His teammate Arsenal-owned Joel Campbell, who scored against Uruguay, is 10/3 to net.

Ruiz also spoke ahead of the match. “Saturday’s game (July 6th) is like a final for us, but we don’t want to stop there,” he said. “Holland is a great team, but I have to be honest and say that we have a good chance of beating them. But we have to take care of a lot of details if we want to win.”

The tiny nation, who have a population of just over 4.5m people, had to come through a tough test with Greece on penalties, but luckily had hero goalkeeper Navas in top form on the night. Clugge Bruges defender Oscar Duarte was sent off for Costa Rica that day, thus missing the game with the Netherlands, and Coral offer odds of 11/4 for any player to see red in 90 minutes.

In terms of injuries, Van Gaal will be without midfield destroyer Nigel de Jong, who will misses the rest of the tournament, while Costa Rica are sweating on the fitness of left back Roy Miller.

The winner of this game will play one of Argentina or Belgium in the semi-final.