The Netherlands, led by Louis van Gaal, have frequently come under fire for being “too dull,” yet a masterful counterattacking performance on Saturday helped them defeat the United States and advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.
After the Dutch defeated Qatar 2-0 in the group stage, the seasoned coach advised a reporter to “go home” if they were not entertaining enough.
Some of the critics will be quieted by the Netherlands’ 3-1 victory on Saturday, as many of Van Gaal’s bold choices paid off.
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Memphis Depay scored the opening goal for his team against the USA in the first half after his team had sat back and exploited the large gaps behind the American defense with a fantastic play of 20 passes.
“It was a great goal… It was the perfect goal I think,” said midfielder Davy Klaassen.
The United States had a challenge as Daley Blind stroked home their second shot on goal just before halftime.
Late in the game, Haji Wright pulled one back, but Denzel Dumfries sealed passage for the Netherlands, who did not qualify in 2018 but have only allowed six goals in 11 World Cup games under Van Gaal.
A comeback was never likely against the well-organized Netherlands, who are renowned for their spacious style of play.
“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 assumed leadership of the Netherlands for a third time last year and will serve as their coach through the end of the competition. He is still unbeaten at World Cups outside of penalties.
When his squad finished third in 2014, defeating the tournament’s hosts Brazil, after losing to Argentina on penalties in the quarterfinals, he received a lot of plaudits.
Both of those teams maintained perfect records, and Van Gaal, who joined Manchester United after the World Cup, led his team to victory over Costa Rica in a shootout in the quarterfinals.
“We’re unbeaten with him so definitely big credit to him,” said captain Virgil van Dijk. “He’s been very good for Dutch football.”