The last quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup between Netherlands and Costa Rica peaked at 9.18 million viewers last night (July 5) on BBC One as Costa Rica were narrowly beaten on penalties 4-3.
The average of 7.70 million viewers saw the game tie at 0-0 for normal time and extra time as viewers witnessed a bizarre substitution by the Dutch manager Louis van Gaal who brought on Newcastle keeper Tim Krul late into extra time, just for the penalty shoot-out.
The decision proved vital as the Netherlands #23 saved two Costa Rica penalties and sent his team through to the semi-finals against Argentina which looks to be a thrilling match.
The other quarter-final yesterday between Argentina and Belgium averaged at 4.42 million viewers on ITV as Argentina beat the European side 1-0 with a goal from Gonzalo Higuain.
