Netherlands can win title 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 H 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 quarterfinals is enough', that isn't the right way to do things.

"I never said we're going to become world champion, I said we can become it, that we have a chance, and the players have also become convinced of that."