As the month long 2014 FIFA World Cup approaches its final stages, The Zimbabwe Sentinel decided to catch up with soccer fans at ‘Pajonzo’ in Manyame Park, Chitungwiza for the quarter final match between the Netherlands versus Costa Rica match on Saturday night. It turned out to be a rather uninspiring match with many gasps at the near misses of the Dutch and slight shock at the defensive resilience of the previously little known Costa-Rica side.

It eventually had to be decided by a penalty shootout and it is at that time that local soccer fans witnessed, many for the first time, a last minute substitution of a goalkeeper for another who’s specialty would be to save spot kicks. The general feeling among the spectators was that Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal’s unusual step of substituting his first choice goalkeeper, Ajax Amsterdam’s Jasper Cillesen with Newcastle’s Tim Krul was a master stroke. But only after he had become the hero of the shootout. Prior to his actual saves, the avid soccer fans were doubting Thomas’ as to the strategic signfincance of brrining on a new goalkeepr given the track record of excellent penalties that Costa Rica had in the tournament thus far.

As it turns out, the Dutch Coach and their goalkeeper was to receive adulation from the ‘Pajonzo’ patrons in the post match discussions. “What a performance, and what a piece of management by Louis Van Gaal I said just before the penalty shoots that he will live or die with this decision,.” one of the soccer fans at Pajonzo bar, Morris Chengaose said.

Blessing Chadanyika a staunch Manchester United fan was so excited and has this to say after the match.

“These are the bold decisions that we want to see Luis Van Gaal making at Manchester United come the August when he begins his new journey at Old Trafford” Chadanyika said. As the semi finals begin on Tuesday the Netherlands coach, Van Gaal will be tipped by Zimbabwean soccer fans, or at least those in Manyame, to take his side all the way to the final and victory.

Provided perhaps that he can call on his super sub goalkeeper to mind the goalposts if his side again end up in a penalty shootout against Messi and Argentina on Wednesday night.