Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has labelled Brazil as ‘just a counter team’ despite their convincing 4-1 win over South Korea on Monday evening.
Tite’s side turned on the style as they raced to a 4-0 lead after just 36 minutes, in the second half, they produced a professional performance to see out a 4-1 win, with Seung Ho Paik on the scoresheet for South Korea.
The first half from Brazil was described by many as the best performance of the World Cup so far.
However, speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ quarter-final clash against Argentina, manager Van Gaal played down Brazil’s performance.
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“Yes, a counter team. But then I had to read in the Dutch media how beautiful it was!” the 71-year-old said.
“But it was just a counter team! South Korea only went out to attack.”
In another interview with ESPN, Van Gaal reiterated his point.
“Brazil play the same football as us: counter football, starting from a compact defence,” he continued.
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“And yet my friends in the [Dutch] media say it’s sparking football while we do the same!
“Our goal [against USA] was much more beautiful than any of theirs. Ours was a team goal! Twenty passes all in high tempo.”
Van Gaal also outlined a potential weakness in Lionel Messi’s game that his team can exploit.
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The former Manchester United boss said: “Messi is the most dangerous creative player, he is able to create a lot and to score goals himself.
“But when they lose the ball and the opponent has possession he doesn’t participate much, and this gives us chances.”
Whilst Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Frenkie de Jong said: “Well, I know him but I don’t know how to stop him. He’s been making the difference for 15 years and there is not one way to stop him.”
Netherlands and Argentina will face off on Friday at the Lusail Stadium. The winner of that match will face either Brazil and Croatia in the semi finals.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/ESPNTopics: Louis Van Gaal, Netherlands, Brazil, Football, Football World Cup