JAKARTA - The Dutch national team coach, Louis van Gaal, has responded to media criticism regarding the team's tactics at the 2022 World Cup. De Oranje is currently considered too pragmatic and does not play the attacking style which the Dutch first recognized in the 1970s.
The criticism was quite surprising as the 71-year-old coach was unbeaten in a record 10 World Cup games as a coach. He also brought the Netherlands to finish third in 2014 in Brazil, where they lost to Argentina on penalties in the semifinals.
"In 2014 it was exactly the same, no different, very negative," Van Gaal said at a press conference ahead of the match against the United States in the last 16 of Qatar's 2022 World Cup, Saturday, December 3, as quoted by Antara via AFP.
Dan, hal yang tepat sama sekarang, sama saja, jadi saya sudah terbiasa dan saya pikir para pemain saya juga sudah terbiasa. Jadi kami akan dengan tenang melanjutkan jalan yang telah kita jalan," sambungnya.
Van Gaal returned from his retirement last year to coach the Dutch national team a third time, but hinted he could open up to taking another job after the World Cup.
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However, the former Manchester United manager still seems to be focused on the Netherlands and said his team aims to become world champions.
"We want to be world champions so we have four games ahead of us and then we will see if there is an offer on the table," he said.
"If we become world champions, there will be offers, but we (have not) become world champions. If I believed in Dutch media, we would never become world champions," continued Van Gaal.
In order to realize this mission, the Netherlands had to go through the obstacles of the United States first. De Oranje will face The Yanks in the round of 16.
On paper, the Netherlands is the favorite. However, Van Gaal thinks the opponent could surprise him because he has an extraordinary team.
"In fact I can say they are one of the best teams. It will be a difficult match but nothing we can't handle. We also have a good team," said Van Gaal.
"But I wouldn't underestimate the US. I don't think they are an example of a good team. There is a team that develops not a good team but has great individual qualities," he continued.
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