Pragmatic style pays off for Van Gaal’s Netherlands

Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands have been repeatedly criticised for being “too boring” but a clinical counter-attacking display on Saturday saw them pick off the United States to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The veteran coach suggested a reporter should “go home” if he thought the Dutch were not entertaining enough after a 2-0 win over Qatar in the group stage.

The Netherlands’ 3-1 victory on Saturday will silence some of the critics, with many of Van Gaal’s big decisions paying off.

His side sat back in the first half against the USA and cut through them with a wonderful move of 20 passes to score the opening goal through Memphis Depay, exposing the wide spaces left in behind the American defence.

“It was a great goal... It was the perfect goal I think,” said midfielder Davy Klaassen.

When Daley Blind swept home their second shot on target on the stroke of half-time, the United States had a mountain to climb. Haji Wright pulled one back late on, but the Netherlands, who did not qualify in 2018 but have only conceded six goals in 11 World Cup games under Van Gaal, secured progression through Denzel Dumfries.

In truth, a comeback was never likely against the well organised Netherlands, traditionally known for expansive football.

“Of course we want to (play in a ‘Dutch style’), but in the end you want to win and this is the most important (thing),” added Klaassen.

Van Gaal took over for a third time last year to lead the Netherlands until the end of this tournament and remains unbeaten excluding penalties at World Cups.

He earned plenty of praise in 2014 when his team finished third, beating hosts Brazil after losing on penalties to Argentina in the semi-finals.

That side kept clean sheets in both those matches and the quarter-final shootout victory over Costa Rica was led by Van Gaal who moved to Manchester United after the World Cup.