Louis van Gaal has disagreed with criticism of the style of play by the Netherlands. The Dutch side has qualified for the round of 16 after they garnered seven points from three matches.
The Oranje gang are having a ball in Qatar. They are one of the favourites to win the World Cup. The Netherlands have kept their aspirations high and remain in the running for a first World Cup triumph. The side managed by Louis van Gaal has led the Netherlands to the round of 16.
The Netherlands have not been the swashbuckling, goal-scoring machine they have been known for in this tournament. The Oranje gang have not scored more than two goals per match in Qatar.
There have been accusations against Louis van Gaal of leading a boring team. The expansive and exciting football the Dutch have been known for is absent in this side. Louis van Gaal’s side have been difficult to beat as they have conceded just one goal in the three matches played.
Louis van Gaal hits back at naysayers
The Netherlands are through to the next round of the World Cup. They triumphed over Senegal and Qatar 2-0 and secured a 1-1 draw with Ecuador to head into the next stage. Despite finishing top of Group A, Louis van Gaal has had to field questions about the style his side plays.
Many have described the performance of the Dutch side as dour and uninspiring, but the former Manchester United manager has not taken the criticism lightly. The team has not been exciting but has had few problems dispatching their opponents. In the post-match conference after the 2-0 win over Qatar, Van Gaal responded to accusations their matches were not enjoyable to watch.
Van Gaal refused to expand on his tactics, telling one journalist that he has a different opinion of football. The Dutch manager also urged the journalist to write he thinks the Netherlands are boring. He also disagreed with the press when they claimed that fans were grinding their teeth on social media about the displays of the Oranje gang.
Making light work of the group stage
The Netherlands won two and drew one of their group matches. Despite not being tested, the stats hold in favour of the Dutch side, who have conceded only one goal in the 1-1 draw with Ecuador. Perhaps fans expect a more expansive style to the pragmatic approach employed by Van Gaal.
Van Gaal told a journalist that he was trying to espouse his opinion, but it was incorrect. He believes that the fans will rather be proud the team is progressing to the next round. He continued that he thinks things are not as bad as it looks.
Coady Gakpo, a target for Manchester United, has been the shining light of the Dutch side as he has scored three goals for the Netherlands and is also in the hunt for the top scorer award. Gakpo is the first Dutchman to score in his first three World Cup matches.
Qatar became the first host to lose all three matches, and the only other nation not to make it out of the group stage at a tournament in their own country is South Africa.
