Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal made some interesting comments during a press conference on Thursday. The 71-year-old Dutch coach claimed that his team’s tournament is finally starting now, despite having played the USA in the previous round. In fact, his squad has already played four games in the 2022 World Cup, but the United States contest was the first in the knockout phase.
Van Gaal initially praised his next opponent, Argentina, but later disparaged their rivals from the previous tournament. “Argentina, from my point of view, is a top country with top soccer players in its squad,” said the coach at the press conference. “The tournament actually starts tomorrow for real for us.”
“Of course, I don’t want to downplay other countries that we have been able to beat, but Argentina and possibly Brazil in the next round are quite different from the countries we have played in the groups and in the last one. sixteen.”
The Dutch coach previously spoke negatively about the US at the World Cup
The Dutchman has also previously made comments about the USMNT’s inability to adapt to his team. “Team USA didn’t adjust, they didn’t adapt,” van Gaal said. “We based a tactical plan on that. [targeting the flanks] that probably allowed us to win.”
“In the first half they stripped us so much and it was not necessary,” he continued. “That is simply not acceptable in a World Cup. If you play in top-tier countries, you just can’t make those mistakes.”
The Netherlands went on to beat the USMNT 3-1. Although the scoreline flattered the Dutch, the Americans played pretty well throughout the game. The US failed to capitalize on two massive one-on-one opportunities with the Dutch keeper.
Argentina will undoubtedly be a great test for van Gaal’s team. Despite losing their first World Cup game, Lionel Messi and company have notched up three straight wins. The big showdown is scheduled for Friday at 2 pm ET.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
