Netherlands captain Robin van Persie has claimed that critics of the World Cup squad have been proved wrong this summer.

Louis van Gaal's side are one game away from a second successive appearance in the World Cup final, and Van Persie believes that the doubters have been silenced due to the achievements of the players in Brazil.

"Our self-belief is enormous, and it is getting bigger all the time," the Manchester United striker told reporters. "Nobody will change that in the slightest. We have come a long way.

"I read all the pieces in the Dutch papers four weeks ago, and they did not give a penny for our chances.

"The very players who have been written off have gone on to do a fantastic job. I find that a striking achievement."

Argentina stand in the way of the Netherlands ahead of their semi-final clash on Wednesday night.