Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Albert Stuivenberg will work as one of Louis van Gaal's assistants when the Netherlands coach takes over at Manchester United at the end of the World Cup in Brazil.
The Dutch FA said in a statement on Sunday that Stuivenberg had quit as coach of its under-21 team in order to move to Old Trafford.
The 43-year-old has been in charge of the under-21s for the past year and also won the European Championship at under-17 level with the Dutch in 2011 and 2012.
"We are thankful to Stuivenberg for his contribution to the development of Dutch talent. He did a fantastic job with the under-17s and we wish him luck in the new direction that he now takes," said FA technical director Jelle Goes.
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratingsShow all 9 1 /9Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands - Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen – Showed what an excellent attitude he has when substituted in the very last minute and delivered a decent display beforehand. Had precious little do for most of the game. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands - Defenders Ron Vlaar – Should have scored at least twice, with two headed efforts, but remained firm at the back. 7 Stefan De Vrij – After any game which ends nil-nil, the centre-backs are going to receive praise and this tie is no different. Stefan De Vrij was as impressive as ever tonight. 7 Bruno Martins Indi – Perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty in the closing stages of normal time, Bruno Martins Indi was typically sturdy at the back. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands - Midfielders Daley Blind – Playing just in front of the backline, rather than in his more familiar position of left-back, Daley Blind struggled to acclimate to his new role. 6.5 Georginio Wijnaldum – Was tested on the counter attack on more than one occasion and proved to be of little obstruction to them. 6 Dirk Kuyt – An ineffective first-half was followed by a hard working second period. Kept running and running. 7 Memphis Depay – While few of the Dutch forays into the Costa Rican half had Memphis Depay at the heart of them, his contribution in the latter stages was invaluable. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands - Forwards Wesley Sneijder – The best Dutch player on the pitch. After coming in for some criticism over the previous few weeks, the Galatasaray winger will feel vindicated tonight. His delivery, pace and precision were all spot on. 8 Arjen Robben – Was clearly making a conscious effort to stay on his feet, in response to the controversy of late, and proved to be his usual menacing self. 7.5 Robin van Persie – Could have scored five goals tonight. If Netherlands had fallen to defeat, he would have surely have felt to blame. 6
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Netherlands - Best off the bench Tim Krul – Justified Louis van Gaal’s daring decision to bring him on in the very last minute of extra-time. Making two vital penalty stops, he won the Dutch the game. 9
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Costa Rica - Goalkeeper Keylor Navas – One of the true stars of this World Cup, Keylor Navas was on top form again. Despite the one wobble in the second half, and the fact that he didn’t save a single penalty, this was another thoroughly impressive display in normal and extra time. 7.5
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Costa Rica - Defenders Johnny Acosta – Remained strong, even as the Dutch pressed forwards in the later stages, and refused to be beaten. 7 Giancarlo Gonzalez – A warrior at the heart of the Costa Rican defence, it’s no surprise at all that Netherlands couldn’t break the backline down with Giancarlo in the line-up. Stunning display. 8 Michael Umana – A defensive general, Micheal Umana will be gutted to have missed the all-important spot kick. 7 Junior Diaz – Mightily lucky not to have been sent off, after a series of bookable offences following his initial yellow card, this was an otherwise strong performance. 7 Cristian Gamboa – A player who worried Netherlands when he branched forwards, Cristian Gamboa was just as impressive at the back. 8
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Costa Rica - Midfielders Celso Borges – Taking the first penalty, and scoring it, this was an efficient display in the middle of the Costa Rican midfield. 7 Christian Bolanos – Worrying the Dutch supporters with his abilities up front, Christian Bolanos also knocked Robin van Persie’s late effort onto the crossbar. Fine display. 7.5 Bryan Luiz – One of the surprises of this tournament, Bryan Luiz didn’t quite live up to his billing tonight. 6.5 Yeltsin Tejeda – Had an important job to do in the middle of the park and did it admirably. 7
Getty Images
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings Costa Rica - Forwards Joel Campbell – While he may have impressed beforehand, Joel Campbell achieved very little tonight. While admittedly isolated, he could have done more. 6
Getty Images
Stuivenberg has signed a three-year deal at United, the same length of contract as Van Gaal, and will join fellow countrymen Frans Hoek, Marcel Bout and former Wales winger Ryan Giggs among the backroom staff.
REUTERS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies