The Netherlands reached Wednesday's semi-final against hosts Portugal after beating Sweden 5-4 on penalties, their first success in five shootouts at major tournaments.

Riven by dissent earlier in the tournament, the team showed their solidarity on Saturday by standing with arms linked during the penalties ordeal, their confident body language in sharp contrast to the Swedes.

"We became a real team, you could see that on the pitch, everyone is willing to help each other when needed," said winger Arjen Robben who scored the decisive spot kick. "We all worked hard and stayed positive.

"The decision about the sixth penalty was not taken by the bench, we did that ourselves. I just picked up the ball, blocked out my common sense and scored."

Captain Frank de Boer, who failed with two penalties in the Euro 2000 semi-final against Italy, missed the shootout after injuring his ankle and is doubtful for the semi-final.

"I only saw the final penalty, I just looked at the ground the whole shootout and Paul (Bosvelt) told me what happened," confessed De Boer who won a record 112th cap on Saturday.

"Now we face Portugal, a good team that have also improved during the tournament. I think it will be a more open match."

BETTER CHANCES

The Dutch, European champions in 1988, had the better chances in the first 90 minutes of a disappointing quarter-final but Sweden could have grabbed victory in extra time when they hit the post and crossbar.

Dutch central defender Jaap Stam said his team tired in the final stages.

"It is almost impossible to control a match for 120 minutes, we all got tired and then concentration fades away," he said.

"It was tough to play good football against such opponents."

Van Nistelrooy received the 'man of the match' award and said he would give it to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who ended a shootout winner after three defeats when he saved Olof Mellberg's shot.

"If we had failed I would have ended my international career," said the Dutch keeper. "We are close now and I have a really good feeling about it.

"But, on the other hand, we are only in the semi-finals and that is still nothing."

A week ago Dick Advocaat's squad seemed dead and buried after the group game against the Czechs when they led 2-0 before going down 3-2. The coach was blamed for substituting Robben early in the second half.

Now unity reigns in the squad and Advocaat believes this can only enhance their chances of success.

"The squad has come together over the last week and you could see that today," said Advocaat after Saturday's game. "It's a bonus that we are now in the semi-finals and everyone believes we can go on."