World Cup 2014: Louis van Gaal says no-one wanted first penalty

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says two of his players refused to take the first penalty in their World Cup semi-final shootout defeat by Argentina.

Defender Ron Vlaar stepped up but Sergio Romero - a player who was "taught how to stop penalties" by Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar - saved his kick.

Argentina won the shootout 4-2 and will face Germany in Sunday's final.

"I asked two players to take the first ball before ending up with Vlaar," said new Manchester United boss Van Gaal.

"I thought he was the best player on the pitch so should have confidence."

Van Gaal was also left to rue the intervention of goalkeeper Romero, who he signed for AZ from Buenos Aires-based Racing Club in 2007.

The Argentine spent two years working under Van Gaal before the 62-year-old departed for Bayern Munich.

- www.bbc.com