Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar has admitted that he was left distraught following his country's penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

The Aston Villa defender missed from the penalty spot after 120 minutes of goalless action, while Wesley Sneijder also had his spot kick saved by Sergio Romero.

"I know I had a good game but, in the end, you stand here with your hands empty," he told NOS. "It hurts so much. Our dream has burst. I've done so much to get here."

Holland will now face Brazil in the third-place playoff, while Argentina will take on Germany in the final.