The loss to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, according to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, was “very painful.”

After Argentina had a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi, who scored from the penalty spot, the Dutch came back with two late goals from Wout Weghorst to force extra time.

But Emiliano Martinez saved Virgil van Dijk’s and Steven Berghuis’ penalty efforts in the shootout as Argentina won 4-3 on penalties, setting up a semifinal matchup with Croatia.

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“We failed to score the first two penalties so that’s when things become really hard and tough. It is a matter of being lucky, a lottery,” said Van Gaal.

The 71-year-old was also the coach of the Netherlands when they lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semifinals.

“This is the second time we lost to Argentina this way. Two World Cups with the same coach for the Netherlands.

“I asked the players to train and to practice penalties, so I have nothing to reproach them for. To come back and equalise… to lose on penalties is unfortunate.”

After treatment for severe prostate cancer, Van Gaal returned to management for a third time in August 2021.

Van Gaal had the Oranje unblemished in 20 games, including the encounter on Friday, but he announced that he would be leaving his position as planned.

“The boys are feeling despondent. They gave everything and I’m incredibly proud. I had a wonderful time,” he said.

“It is incredibly painful to see how we’ve been eliminated because I did everything I could to prevent this.”