Louis van Gaal hits back at criticism of 'boring' Netherlands after topping group at 2022 World Cup

ByJames Walker-Roberts

Published 29/11/2022 at 22:54 GMT

Netherlands finished their group campaign at the 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Qatar to ensure they advanced into the last 16, where they will face USA. Despite being unbeaten, the Dutch have not been thrilling to watch at times. However, head coach Louis van Gaal hit back at criticism of their style and said "everyone should be rather proud" of their progress.

Louis van Gaal took issue with a suggestion that Netherlands have been "boring" to watch at the World Cup after they finished top of Group A.

The Dutch finished on seven points after easing to a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar in their final group match.

They also beat Senegal 2-0 and drew 1-1 against Ecuador.

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Head coach Van Gaal bristled at criticism of the team's style of play and performances at the tournament so far.

“I don’t agree with you and I’m not going to expand on that,” he said.

“You have a different perspective to me. Why don’t you write down that it’s terribly boring. If you think it’s boring why don’t you go home.”

It was then put to him that some fans were “grinding their teeth” about the performances.

“That’s disappointing but I don’t agree with you.

“That’s your opinion but I don’t think your opinion is the correct opinion. I think everyone would be rather proud we are progressing to the next round.

“I think things are not as bad as you say they are."

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Netherlands meet USA in the last 16 after they finished second in Group B.

Van Gaal will be hoping that Cody Gakpo can continue the scoring form he has shown so far in Qatar.

The PSV player, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, has scored in all three games so far.

Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring

Image credit: Getty Images

“Cody Gakpo is rather a young player, he’s only been playing for PSV for two or three years and always played on the left-hand side,” said Van Gaal.

“He didn’t want to play centre or No. 10 but he did have to play those positions for me and now he thinks I’m a good head coach!

“Things can change of course but Cody Gakpo has everything it takes to become a star and he has a wonderful personality because he is open-minded about everything and anything.”

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