Cannavaro calls Van Gaal 'disrespectful'

The 2006 World Cup winner was not impressed by the Dutch coach's decision to replace starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul for a penalty shoot-out

Fabio Cannavaro has criticised Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal’s decision to take off goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen before his side's World Cup quarter-final shoot-out against Costa Rica, insisting the plaudits he is getting are undeserved.


The Oranje boss brought Tim Krul on in place of his starting goalkeeper in the last minute of extra-time in the last-eight tie as he believed the Newcastle United man would be better suited for spot kicks than Ajax's No.1.


Krul then saved two out of five penalties to put his country through - with Van Gaal earning praise in many quarters for the bold decision late in the game - but World Cup 2006 winner Cannavaro had an opposing stance on the topic.


"I know everyone is now treating Van Gaal like a legend or a magician for that change, but to be honest, it’s not something I like very much," the Italian told Globo Esporte.

"It’s disrespectful to the goalkeeper. Who will be the goalkeeper in the next game? Imagine going in goal for the next match and realising you do not have the 100 per cent faith of the coach."


Van Gaal later revealed that he had he had always planned to make the move if the match looked like it would be decided by a penalty shoot-out - but added that he had not told Cillessen about the decision, only Krul.


Netherlands will face Argentina on Wednesday in a World Cup semi-final to decide who will play in the final at the Maracana against either Brazil or Germany.