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The Netherlands may be heading to the Brazil 2014 World Cup as the runner-ups from the last edition, but you couldn’t tell that from the expectations of Louis van Gaal’s team. |
The Elftal are considered an outsider in Brazil after having crashed out of the first round of Euro 2012 without a single point and just two goals scored. Enter van Gaal, who will move on to Manchester United after the World Cup.
“I like being in this position. This way we can work in peace and quiet,” said the 62-year-old, who failed to reach the 2002 World Cup in his first term as boss.
Since taking over from Bert van Marwijk following the 2012 embarrassment, van Gaal has revamped the Dutch team, especially on defence where none of the men from the 2010 final against Spain are still on board.
Van Gaal is without important midfielders Rafael van der Vaart and Kevin Strootman for injury reasons but is calling upon the big names on offence, including Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt and Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
In addition to making sure the veterans realize this may be their last chance for World Cup glory, van Gaal also worked hard to integrate young talents into the team such as 22-year-olds Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins.
The veteran coach also is playing with the idea of changing the team’s playing system from the traditional 4-3-3 to a 5-3-2 format.
“I am certain that we can surprise some people with this team,” said van Gaal, whose Oranje were impressive in their qualifying campaign without a defeat and only dropping points with a 2-2 draw in Estonia.
But the coach has his work cut out for him as the Netherlands have been drawn into a group with reigning world champions Spain, up-start South Americans Chile and Australia—starting with a rematch of the 2010 they lost 1-0 in extra time against Spain.
