LOUIS VAN GAAL has dismissed Brazil as a “counter-attacking team” after their 4-1 thumping of South Korea last night.
The Selecao wowed fans with their amazing goals during a thrilling first 45 minutes against the Koreans.
AFPLouis van Gaal is not overly impressed by the Brazil team[/caption]
APBrazil were in sumptuous form against South Korea last night[/caption]
But Van Gaal, whose Netherlands side could face Brazil in the semi-finals, was nonplussed.
He said: “I’ve seen them, that’s just a counter team.
“I read in the Dutch media that it was sparkling, but that is just a counter team.
“South Korea has only attacked.”
Prior to a potential meeting with the “counter-attacking” Brazilians, Van Gaal and Co must take on Argentina on Friday night.
On the prospect of playing against Lionel Messi, Van Gaal said: “He is indeed the most dangerous player who creates the most chances and makes them himself.
“But on the other hand he does not play much with the opponent when they have possession of the ball. That is where our chances lie.”
Under Van Gaal’s stewardship the Dutch lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, following a 0-0 draw.
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And the ex-Manchester United manager is desperate to finally avenge that defeat eight years on.
He added: “We still have a score to settle.
“I don’t like to think about it because I thought we would win and then I also exchanged for the win.
“I would like to convince the people at home to just go and watch the game and cheer for us. Then we will derive a lot of support from that.”
ITV pundit Roy Keane was also unhappy with Brazil last night.
But it wasn’t their football that irritated him – more their vibrant celebrations.
The Irishman said: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
“I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
“I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
“I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semi-finalsAction Images – Reuters Read More