The experienced national coach of the Netherlands is at a World Cup for the second time and wants the thorn in the 2014 semi-final.
Louis van Gaal it’s not alone the oldest coach of the 32 who took part in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with 71 years. It’s one of those too He already has World Cup experiencein addition to a huge track record as a club manager, especially with his unforgettable Ajax in the mid-90s.
Seventy-year-old DT passes his third cycle at the helm of the Netherlands: He did it between 2000 and 2002, when he failed to qualify for the Korea-Japan World Cup, he returned for the stage that ended with the third place in Brazil 2014 and, already retired after the passing of Manchester United (and especially his sister’s death), responded to the call from the KNVB to allocate the Orange to Qatar.
In all, van Gaal has led 11 World Cup matches. Although he is a long way from Helmut Schoen’s 25 or even his compatriot Guus Hiddink, who is 18, he has a curious track record that he will put to the test in the quarter-finals against Argentina: never suffered a defeat in regular time or in extra time. The only fall was on penalties and right against the Albiceleste.
In Brazil 2014, the Netherlands passed the group stage by 9 points after beating Spain 5–1, then Australia 3–2 and Chile 2–0; in the round of 16 they defeated Mexico 2-1 and in the quarter-finals, after a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica, they won on penalties. In the semi-finals they also couldn’t make a difference against Argentina, losing from 12 paces, but they had their consolation in the game for third place when they thrashed Brazil 3-0.
Already in Qatar 2022 they made their debut with a solid 2-0 win against Senegal, then equalized 1-1 against Ecuador and finally beat the locals 2-0. And in the round of 16, they defeated the United States 3-1.
All in all, their stats are crushing in their Led 11 matches, with eight wins and three draws, one of which was imposed on penalties and the other eliminated by Argentinahis rival in the World Cup that will now mark the end of his long career.
Source: Goal
Gregory Robert is a sports aficionado and a writer for “Social Bites”. He provides in-depth coverage of the latest sporting events and trends, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the world of sports.