Netherlands needed penalties to overcome Costa Rica in the last of the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday evening.

The Dutch created the better opportunities during the 120 minutes of football in Salvador, but could not make the breakthrough, with a shootout left to decide the victor.

Netherlands netted each of their first four penalties, but Costa Rica missed twice as the 2010 finalists eased into the next round to book a last-four meeting against Argentina.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the last-eight clash.

NETHERLANDS

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Made a couple of brilliant saves late on, but was not really troubled for long spells. Was somewhat surprisingly replaced by Tim Krul for penalties in the final minute of extra-time. (7/10)

Defence

Ron Vlaar: Might have given away a penalty in extra-time after seemingly fouling Marco Urena, but the referee waved play on. Overall, the centre-back had a fairly solid night. (7/10)

Stefan de Vrij: Showed signs of tiredness and lack of pace in the latter stages, but his reading of the game and calmness in possession were both impressive. (6/10)

Bruno Martins Indi: Might have been sent from the field after throwing his body into Bryan Ruiz in extra-time, but the referee took no action. A brilliant athlete, but he needs to improve his decision-making. (6/10)

Midfield

Daley Blind: Not really seen in forward areas, but produced a strong and workmanlike performance in a midfield area. Kept things ticking over nicely. (6/10)

Wesley Sneijder: Twice hit the crossbar in what was an impressive performance from the midfielder. Passing and vision were also both of a high standard. Arguably his side's best player on the night. (8/10)

Georginio Wijnaldum: Deployed in a deep midfield position following an injury to Nigel de Jong, but did not look too comfortable in the middle of the park. Struggled to influence proceedings. (6/10)

Dirk Kuyt: Worked hard in a wide area. However, his final pass was poor. That said, he was one of four Dutch players to net a cool penalty in the shootout. (6/10)

Attack

Arjen Robben: Again was Netherlands' most dangerous player, but did not have too much luck in front of goal. Credit must be given to Costa Rica for dealing with the Bayern Munich attacker. (7/10)

Robin van Persie: Missed a couple of sitters in the latter stages of normal time and was too often caught in an offside position. A disappointing night for the skipper. (6/10)

Memphis Depay: Brought into the XI this evening, but struggled to influence proceedings. Showed some nice touches, but ran out of ideas before being replaced by Jeremain Lens 15 minutes from time. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jeremain Lens: Caused Costa Rica problems with his pace and movement in the final third, but did not really have much of an influence in terms of creating chances. (6/10)

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: Replaced Martins Indi in extra-time, but did not have too much of an impact. That said, his presence alone forced Costa Rica to drop a yard deeper. (6/10)

Tim Krul: Entered purely for the penalty shootout and justified Louis van Gaal's faith by making two crucial saves. Proved to be the hero for his team. (9/10)

COSTA RICA

Goal

Keylor Navas: Another sensational display from the Levante stopper, who once more made save after save. Surely has to be in with a chance of being named the best goalkeeper of the tournament. (9/10)

Defence

Junior Diaz: Brilliant performance from the defender, who was also a threat in advanced areas. However, he was perhaps lucky to remain on the field following a couple of late challenges in the second half. (7/10)

Giancarlo Gonzalez: A man-of-the-match performance from Gonzalez, who marshalled his defence throughout the evening. Made a number of crucial challenges and blocks in the latter stages. (9/10)

Johnny Acosta: Replaced the suspended Oscar Duarte in the Costa Rica XI and slotted effortlessly into the back four. Another who had a fine evening. (7/10)

Michael Umana: The veteran defender showed his leadership qualities in the latter stages as the pressure continued to build. Was also aerially dominant from set pieces. (7/10)

Cristian Gamboa: Eventually forced off with an injury after 79 minutes, but produced a tireless performance for his side. Simply never stopped running. (7/10)

Midfield

Celso Borges: Netted his side's first penalty in the shootout, which was a demonstration of his confidence. Passing and reading of the game were both of a high standard this evening. (7/10)

Yeltsin Tejeda: Another whose reputation has seriously grown this summer. Produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Van Persie late in normal time. (7/10)

Christian Bolanos: Was once more his side's most creative player, but was guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Delivery from set pieces could also have been better. (6/10)

Bryan Ruiz: Was always available and did his best to create space in the final third, but did not see too much of the ball for long spells. Had a spot-kick saved by Krul in the shootout. (6/10)

Attack

Joel Campbell: Was surprisingly replaced after just 66 minutes despite proving a lively presence in the final third. Another whose stock has risen this summer. (6/10)

Substitutes

Marco Urena: Brought a brilliant save from Jasper Cillessen late on after finding space inside the Dutch box. Also had a strong penalty shout in extra time after going down under pressure from Vlaar. (7/10)

David Myrie: Replaced Gamboa 10 minutes from time and did not take long to pick up the pace of the match. (6/10)

Jose Cubero: Provided some much-needed energy in the middle of the park after entering in extra-time. Use of the ball was also intelligent in the final stages. (6/10)