FIFA World Cup: Louis Van Gaal chalks out plan to stop Messi when Netherlands faces Argentina in quarterfinals

Football
Published 07.12.2022
FIFA World Cup: Louis Van Gaal chalks out plan to stop Messi when Netherlands faces Argentina in quarterfinals

Argentina will tackle the Netherlands within the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on December 10. With Lionel Messi in terrific kind, there may be already hope that Argentina will overcome the Dutch problem and seal its place within the semifinals.

But days earlier than the high-octane conflict, the Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal mentioned he discovered a flaw in Messi’s armoury. He mentioned the Argentine famous person doesn’t have interaction in play a lot when the opponent takes management of the ball.

“Messi is the most dangerous creative player, he is able to create a lot and to score goals himself,” mentioned the 71-year-old coach, including, “But when they lose the ball, and the opponent has possession, he does not participate much, and this gives us chances [to exploit].”

Van Gaal can be keeping track of one other South American large, Brazil, which might be his group’s subsequent opponent, if the Netherlands beats Argentina.

Also Read | Messi: Happy with Argentina victory, taking one other step

“Brazil play the same football as us: counter football, starting from a compact defence,” the previous Manchester United coach mentioned.

Addressing a query about criticism directed at his group for not enjoying not-so-impressive soccer within the Qatar World Cup, Van Gaal mentioned, “Even if my friends in the [Dutch] media say it is sparkling football while we do the same!.”