Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says Holland can be proud of their World Cup campaign after reaching the quarterfinals.

The Dutch lost on a penalty shootout, having fought back from 2-0 down to equalise with the last kick in normal time.

Van Dijk was the first up in the shootout, but Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pulled off a brilliant save to deny the Liverpool defender. Argentina went on to win the shootout 4-3.

"We lost on penalties and that's the thing that's difficult to take," Van Dijk said. "It's like a lottery. You can practice penalties, and we did a lot, but he [Martinez] made two great saves and we're out.

"We were confident because we had practised them. But you can't replicate a full stadium with 80,000 people whistling at you and a different goalie, so it's a lottery and we lost it.

"I was ready for it but these things happen — you can miss."

Van Dijk praised his side for their fightback.

"We showed character," he said. "I'm very proud of everyone.

"I'm very hurt and I feel like I let my guys down. We're going home and I'm very sad about that. Hopefully that feeling will change in the next weeks and the proud feeling will kick in."