DBasia.news – Louis van Gaal failed to bring the Dutch national team to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. However, this did not stop him from boasting.
The Netherlands’ move to the 2022 World Cup must stop at the hands of Argentina. De Oranje were defeated by a penalty shoot-out at the Lusail Stadium, Saturday (10/12).
Argentina almost won the match in normal time after winning two goals earlier. Nahuel Molina’s shot and Lionel Messi’s penalty were indeed successful in breaking into the Netherland’s goal.
But Van Gaal was able to show his cold hand. Through a precise substitution, the Netherlands were able to equalize in the last minutes of injury time.
Wout Weghorst who was included as a substitute changed the fortunes of the Netherlands. The Besiktas striker scored two goals for the Netherlands with a header and a close-range shot to send the game going into extra time.
However, the Netherlands were unlucky after the winner of this match had to be determined on penalties. Their two executors, namely Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, failed to carry out their duties perfectly.
This defeat left the Dutch players devastated. But Van Gaal was still able to accept it gracefully.
The former Manchester United manager didn’t lose his pride. He did not feel defeated by Argentina.
“In the 20 games I’ve been in charge of, we haven’t lost a game. I don’t know how much we won, you can google it, put the word ‘Dutch team, Louis van Gaal’,” said Van Gaal at a press conference. after the fight.
“I don’t think I’ve been beaten. It’s only on penalties.”
Van Gaal doesn’t just talk. The Netherlands have never lost in normal time after he returned to coaching.
As is known, Van Gaal was appointed to handle the Netherlands for the third time after the 2020 European Cup. He replaced Frank de Boer.
In that period, the Netherlands underwent 20 matches. As a result, he was able to present 14 wins and five draws before being defeated by Argentina.
Ironically, the match against Argentina was the last time Van Gaal led the Netherlands. After the 2022 World Cup, he will again be replaced by Ronald Koeman.
“I will not continue to work as head coach because I only do it until this tournament. So this is my last game,” he added.
“I had a great time. It hurt so much to see how we went out, especially because I did everything I could to prevent that from happening.”