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 Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra picked KL Rahul’s knock of 152 runs off 67… Read More
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his best playing 12 of IPL 2026. Surprisingly,… Read More
Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier at New Chandigarh in the… Read More
Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has showered praise on Dhruv Jurel after Rajasthan Royals registered… Read More
Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has lavished praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after Rajasthan Royals… Read More
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Dhruv Jurel after Rajasthan Royals registered a comprehensive 47-run… Read More