Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar has insisted that he was comfortable taking their first penalty in their World Cup semi-final shootout defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.
The Aston Villa man was the surprise choice to step up first for the Dutch and saw his effort saved by Sergio Romero as Argentina went on to win 4-2 on spot kicks.
Several critics have questioned Louis van Gaal's decision to have Vlaar lead Holland off, rather than Arjen Robben, but the 29-year-old has stressed that he was happy to take on that responsibility.
He told reporters: "I would never walk away from my responsibility. I wasn't nervous, I was focused. But it had to go in and it didn't. Unbelievable. It's tough, but that's what sport is about."
Van Gaal has revealed that two of his players declined the chance to take the opening Dutch penalty.
Written by
Joe Fish
Joe Fish
