Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal has warned his side must do better if they are to maintain their hope to become world champions, NOS reports.
The Oranje boss spoke to the press after the Dutch national side managed to see off USA 3-1 in the round of 16 to secure a place in the quarter-finals with Argentina waiting for them after they defeated Australia.
However, despite the scoreline, Van Gaal has insisted that his squad must improve their game if they are to mount a serious challenge for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He has previously spoken highly of his side despite some below-par performances in the group stage against Senegal and Ecuador but now the former Manchester United boss wants to avoid any repeat when they face the likes of Lionel Messi.
“We are going to play against stronger opponents,” the national coach said. “Then we have to have more ball possession, execute ball possession better and lose less ball. That’s unfortunate. They score through ball loss from us.
“We scored two brilliant goals in the first half, from the switch. We played provocative pressing to lure them. It was top on the opponent’s possession and in the switch to the opponent’s possession.
“The second half was better in possession,” Van Gaal continued. “We scored another goal from wingback to wingback. Unbelievable. I’m very proud of that. Only we can still do much better.”
Orange are in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but to advance even further, Louis van Gaal demands more from his players. “We are going to play against stronger opponents,” the national coach said. “Then we have to have more ball possession, execute ball possession better and lose less ball. That’s unfortunate. They score through ball loss from us.”
Van Gaal was particularly dissatisfied with the first half and therefore replaced midfielders Marten de Roon and Davy Klaassen, who both lost a lot of ball, as early as half-time. “The second half was better,” Van Gaal said. “But it still has to be much better. Gakpo did well in the number ten role.”
However, Van Gaal still praised his side where it was warranted too.
“We scored two brilliant goals in the first-half, from the switch. We played provocative pressing to lure them.
“The second half was better in possession,” Van Gaal continued. “We scored another goal from wingback to wingback. Unbelievable. I’m very proud of that. Only we can still do much better.”
GBeNeFN | Tom Phillips
