During the pre-match press conference, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal assured that his team would beat the Belgians and secure first place in their group in the Nations League.
Before facing Belgium this Sunday (8:45 p.m.) at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Louis van Gaal insisted that the Netherlands would beat their Belgian neighbor to secure first place in the group in the Nations League and present themselves at the World Cup (November 20-18). December) undefeated since his arrival at the head of the national team after Euro 2021.
Before this “final” of Group 4 of League A, the Dutch are three points ahead and have the cards in hand to participate in the semi-finals.
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The Netherlands has not lost since June 2021
“We will win tomorrow. Better to go to the World Cup undefeated than lose the last game. That’s what I told the boys.”Said the former Manchester United manager. Van Gaal, 71, has gone 14 games without losing since he returned to the Dutch national team for the third time last year.
Belgium, who lost to the Dutch in Brussels in June (1-4), must win by three goals to take first place and qualify for the final phase next June. “If it happens, it will be deservedVanGaal said. But I believe in my players and that they will win. This is how I prepare them. I don’t expect a surprise. My players are always focused and that’s why I always tell them the line-up two days in advance so they can concentrate. »
“It’s fantastic to play against the Belgians”
The Dutch coach said he did not expect much from Belgium. “We have analyzed them and I see a team that is still playing with the same game concept. I don’t see Belgium suddenly doing something different.” »
That said, he was glad the oranges had a tough test in their last international match before the World Cup in Qatar, where they are in Group A with hosts Ecuador and Senegal.
“I prefer to play against these types of opponents. I am incredibly happy because there are players of a lot of quality playing for Belgium.declared. I have often said that I think Kevin De Bruyne is fantastic. He dictates the game and also scores goals. How are we going to deal with this? And how will my players react? It will be interesting to see. And then there is the rivalry. jI think it’s fantastic to play against the Belgians. I mentioned De Bruyne, but they have more. But so are we.”
If the Netherlands win on Sunday, it will be van Gaal’s 37th victory in 58 appearances in charge and equal Dick Advocaat’s record as the most successful Dutch manager.