LVG: There are three reasons why Germany and Argentina lost: ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!
DUTCH BOSS’S VERDICT ON WORLD CUP SHOCKS
LOUIS VAN GAAL advised Germany and Argentina they slipped up in their World Cup openers... because they’re TOO ATTACKING.
The Holland boss dug out his rivals ahead of their clash against Ecuador today.
Van Gaal’s side got off to a flying start as they beat Group A rivals Senegal 2-0 in their opener.
But Germany suffered a surprise defeat by Japan while Argentina’s loss against Saudi Arabia was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
He said: “The fact that Germany and Argentina lost is somewhat telling. It is easier to defend than attack.
“I heard Germany attacked in the first half and missed a lot of chances.
“They ended up losing. I think this is to do with team discipline.
“Our team discipline will go until the last minute. My guys are great.”
Van Gaal also created waves by claiming Germany were too focused on gestures as well.
The German players covered their mouths (below) in their team photo before the 2-1 defeat by Japan. They were angry that their captain Manuel Neuer wasn’t allowed to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband in the game.
Angry, but not as upset as Lionel Messi (below) after Saudi Arabia beat Argentina.
Van Gaal said: “We’re here to be a world champion.
“We paid a lot of attention to this.
“On Thursday we received the migrant workers, both for them and for us. In the last few weeks we spoke a lot, we’ve made statements. We’ve said what we need to say and now we need to focus on football.”
Van Gaal seems content with his side’s start in the tournament and the former Manchester United manager appears to have created a harmonious atmosphere in the camp. That makes a change for Holland.
He added: “This is merely due to the group. I have praised the group for over a year.
“It’s not for nothing that I left the squad as it was.
“I introduced just three changes. I could have selected players who also have cap experience.
“I left the squad intact due to the fact that they were so professional and showed they wanted to improve.
“It’s great for me. It’s fun. It’s about being able to solve issues together. They are all into it and that gives me energy.”