World Cup ‘starts for real tomorrow’, says Netherlands coach on Argentina game

by

The coach of the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal, said this Thursday (8) that the World Cup “really starts” for the selection in the quarterfinal game against Argentina, this Friday (9).

“The competition really starts for us tomorrow,” he said.

“I don’t want to detract from the importance of the other teams we’ve already beaten. Argentina and Brazil, which we would probably face in the semifinals, are different from the teams in the group stage and the ones we face in the round of 16,” he said.

Netherlands and Argentina last faced each other in the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Cup, when the Europeans advanced to the semifinals thanks to a goal by Dennis Bergkamp.

“Football is no longer like it was in 1998 or 1978. It was more open and now it is not. That is the reality”, said Van Gaal, recalling that “it is always possible to have decisive moments, which we remember years later, like Bergkamp’s goal in 1998. We will always remember him,” he added.

For the knockout match in Qatar, Argentina will count on Lionel Messi to try to avenge that historic elimination.

“We will not reveal our tactics [para conter Messi]🇧🇷 But it’s not difficult to give an answer, it’s about blocking and closing the passing lines”, said the coach, who defended himself against criticism for playing more conservative football.

“Football evolves and we can’t play the same attacking game as we did 20 years ago. I’ve been criticized for saying that, but football has evolved in that sense,” he said.

“We don’t just defend. We push and push.”

When asked about Ángel Di María, who claimed in 2021 that Van Gaal had been one of the worst managers he has ever worked with, the Dutchman commented that he “is a magnificent player”.

“When he played for Manchester United, he had personal problems, like a robbery [à sua casa]🇧🇷 It affected your performance. He said I’m one of the worst coaches he’s ever had… he’s one of the few who’s said that about me”, stated Van Gaal.

“Usually it’s the other way around. It’s sad, but that’s it. The coach sometimes has to make decisions. It was the same with Memphis [Depay] and now we kiss on the lips”, he added, jokingly remembering that he also coached the Dutch player when he was in charge of United, between 2014 and 2016.

You May Also Like

Recommended for you