Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal praised the United States men’s national team, or USMNT, during a press conference on Friday. The coach said he was not surprised that the Americans advanced out of Group B. Also, it will be a tough matchup on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium.
“USA, they are a very energetic team with physically strong players and that is difficult for any opponent,” van Gaal said. “You can tell by its results. But hey, we will do everything we can to win, to beat the USA.”
“I expected the US to progress after the first game, because before that I hadn’t seen them.”
Louis van Gaal rates USMNT head coach
Van Gaal also applauded his USMNT counterpart, Gregg Berhalter. “What I see is a vision, what I see is a team that is willing to execute that vision, which is of the utmost importance,” the Dutch coach continued. “And I see the conviction, especially the conviction of the players. So that for a coach must be fantastic”.
The USMNT will face the Netherlands on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. Surprisingly, this will be the first meeting between the two teams in a major tournament. However, the US has played five previous friendlies against the Dutch.
Two sides have history
A thrilling 2015 match in the Netherlands was the last time the two teams met. It was the only time the United States had beaten the Dutch. The match featured seven goals as the USMNT beat the hosts 4-3 on the night. Deandre Yedlin and Jordan Morris are the only players still on the USMNT team that played during the 2015 game.
Berhalter has also faced the Netherlands as a player for the USMNT. The former defender was part of the team that suffered defeats in 2002 and 2004 at the hands of the Dutch national team.
Saturday’s game will be a great test for this young American team. They put in some fantastic performances in the group stage and the fans hope the positive display continues.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Shots
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