Louis van Gaal revealed that his tactical plan of utilising the flanks paid off against USMNT as his side eased into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Van Gaal reveals tactical planUSMNT couldn’t ‘adjust’Netherlands beat USA 3-1
WHAT HAPPENED? Denzel Dumfries provided the assists for the first two Dutch goals that were netted by Memphis Depay and Daley Blind. Both were created via delightful low crosses from the right flank, while Dumfries himself scored the third goal from Blind’s inch-perfect cross from the opposite side.
WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to reporters after the match, Van Gaal said: “Team USA didn’t adjust, they didn’t adapt. We based a tactical plan on that (targeting the flanks) that probably allowed us to win.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Dutch manager also warned his team against losing the ball too many times against USMNT. He said: “In the first half we were dispossessed so much and it was not necessary. That’s simply not acceptable at a World Cup. If you play top-notch countries, you simply can’t make those mistakes.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT FOR NETHERLANDS? Van Gaal’s side next take on Argentina in a World Cup quarter-final clash on December 9.
Former champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty headline India’s contingent at the prestigious Indonesia Open… Read More
With current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny nearing the… Read More
Chennaiyin FC midfielder Jiteshwor Singh has pledged his long-term future to the club, signing a… Read More
Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Punjab Kings opening pair - Prabhsimran… Read More
Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has noted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran batter Virat… Read More
The Indian junior women’s hockey team suffered a narrow defeat against Chile in a tense… Read More