DUTCH CAN WIN WORLD CUP, SAYS VAN GAAL

Louis van Gaal has emphasised his belief that the Netherlands can win the Qatar World Cup – and “deserve some respect”.

The Oranje, unbeaten in 17 matches, defeated Senegal 2-0 then drew 1-1 with Ecuador in their two Group A games so far.

They conclude their pool fixtures by playing the tournament hosts today, and boss Van Gaal told a press conference ahead of the contest: “I hope this (saying the target is to win the competition) is no pressure at all.

“Because I think you always have to identify the goal, the purpose for which you are here, and then you can work your way towards that purpose. If you don’t identify that purpose and say ‘the last 16 or the quarter-finals is enough’, that isn’t the right way to do things.

“I never said we’re going to become world champions, I said we have a chance, and the players have also become convinced of that.”

Van Gaal – who is in his third spell as Netherlands head coach and oversaw a thirdplaced finish at the 2014 World Cup – has been critical of his team’s play in terms of ball possession in the last two games, and said he was looking for an improvement on that front.

But he was defensive of his players overall, saying: “By and large they have performed really well in the squad for us and I’m just assuming that will continue to happen.”

The 71-year-old also stressed he would not stay on if they did go on to lift the trophy, with Ronald Koeman already confirmed as his successor, before adding: “One comment I’d like to make – if we become world champions, then the football world is a very opportunistic world. You never know.”

The group sees the Netherlands and Ecuador on four points, while the latter’s opponents today, Senegal, have three.

Qatar are bottom and cannot reach the next round following a 2-0 loss to Ecuador and 3-1 defeat to Senegal.

Boss Felix Sanchez said: “These players have shown they can compete well.”