Why two Dutch footballers refused to take the first penalty shot

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has revealed that two of his players refused to step up to take the first penalty shot in the Netherland’s semi-final clash against Argentina. Former Aussie footballer Graham McMillian says the fear of missing can be too much for some players.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero of Argentina saves the penalty of Dutch Ron Vlaar during the penalty shoot-out of the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi final match between the Netherlands and Argentina. (AAP)

A World Cup Post-mortem in the Netherlands has led to what some regard as an astonishing revelation.

The Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has told a Dutch news agency two of his players refused to step up to take the first penalty in his side's 4-2 semi-final shoot-out loss to Argentina.

The honour eventually went to defender Ron Vlaar whose effort was saved by Argentina's keeper Sergio Romero.

Former Australian International Graham McMillan is among those who are surprised by what took place.

McMillan represented Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and scored Australia's first goal.

"They're professional footballers, this is what they get paid to do, taking penalties is part of the match. They should do it, it's part of the thing, it's part of your responsibilities for being in the team," McMillan told SBS.

Unlike the two Dutch players who refused to step up, McMillan says he complied with an unexpected request from his captain and made the most of the opportunity in a match against Japan.

McMillan says confidence is crucial.

"There's only one reason people don't take penalty kicks is because they're frightened they're going to miss and mess it up, the other thing is you've just got to have some confidence and go up and do it."

Former Aussie footballer Graham McMillian speaks to SBS's Greg Dyett