As the Netherlands' dream to perform with Germany in the World Cup final came to a brutal end, local press sigh upon the fatal penalty defeat in the semifinal against Argentina on Wednesday.

Dutch news media lights up the bittersweet World Cup campaign and praised the team that fought so close to the second successive World Cup final.

Tabloid Algemeen Dagblad said the penalties proved fatal as they pushed the Netherlands through against Costa Rica in the quarter finals and they could as well take the team down.

De Telegraaf simply headlined "The dream ends" on the front page and comforted the fans "Louis van Gaal sent us to the semi finals against all expectations."

It added the Netherlands was so eager to meet Germany in the final but "Now we're having to be content with a consolation final against Brazil."

Daily NRC.next sighed the Netherlands wakes up with a massive orange hangover. "No more fun, no more predictions, no more discussions at the coffee machine, But The Netherlands can look back on the tournament with satisfaction."

"We've gone further in Brazil than what was required at the start thanks to Louis van Gaal, who managed to get the most from a talented team." said the Christian-based daily Trouw.