Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has found at least one player more deserving than himself to win the Lev Yashin goalkeeping award at the World Cup - Uruguay striker Luis Suarez.

The goalie sent a text message to his Ajax teammate that "even now he already is the best keeper of the tournament," the Dutch paper De Telegraaf reported on Monday.

Suarez was sent off for a deliberate handball on the line that denied Ghana a winning goal in the dying seconds of Friday's quarterfinal. Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing spot kick and Uruguay went through on penalties.

Because of the handball, Suarez is suspended for Tuesday's semifinal against the Netherlands.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP