First match of the knockout stage of the World Cup in Qatar.
Holland is favorite against the United States, but the Americans are not going to play the part of the sacrificial victim.
Holland-United States 0-0
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Van Gaal "accustomed to criticism, let's not change course" . Holland coach "here to win, but for our media it won't happen"
"Exactly the same thing happened in 2014, and it was very, very negative, but by now I'm used to it and I think my players are used to it too. So, we'll calmly continue on the path we've taken."
The Holland coach, Louis van Gaal, did not fail to underline, on the eve of the eighth-final of the World Cup against the United States, the many criticisms expressed by the home media on his national team's game, a reply to what happened in Brazil, where the national team that was also then under his leadership finished in third place.
According to the press, the team is too pragmatic and doesn't play with the attacking style that the Netherlands became famous for in the 1970s.
"We are here to become world champions,
so we have four games ahead of us and then we'll see if there are offers on the table – he continued speaking of his future -.
If we win the World Cup they will be there, but we are not champions yet and if I have to believe the Dutch media we will never be ". The USA are an excellent team, I would even say one of the best" .
It will be a difficult match but nothing we can't overcome, because we too have a good team."
Berhalter "Pulisic will be there, I have faith". The coach sees Sargent as more in doubt, also recovering from injury
Christian Pulisic will most likely be on the field tomorrow against the Netherlands, in the round of 16 match at the World Cup in Qatar.
The coach of the United States, Gregg Berhalter, said this at the press conference, announcing that doubts remain on the availability of another striker, Josh Sargent.
Berhalter explained that Pulisic is better after the blow he took on the side in the clash with the Iran goalkeeper and that he was waiting to see him in training to decide.
"At this stage of the tournament, however, it's time to give it your all. If you can do it, you do it and I'm sure Christian will have that mentality", explained the coach, then underlining that the US team "feels the responsibility to use the World Cup to create even greater interest in football in the country.
