Louis van Gaal witnessed his Netherlands facet stage a outstanding turnaround earlier than dropping on penalties to Argentina on the 2022 FIFA World Cup. AP
Doha: Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal mentioned his workforce’s loss to Argentina on penalties within the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Friday was “extremely painful”.
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The Dutch rallied with two late targets from Wout Weghorst to drive further time after Argentina led 2-0 by efforts from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi, who scored from the spot.
However Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis watched in agony as their spot-kicks have been saved within the shootout by Emiliano Martinez as Argentina gained 4-3 on penalties, establishing a semi-final with Croatia.
“We failed to attain the primary two penalties in order that’s when issues turn into actually laborious and hard. It’s a matter of being fortunate, a lottery,” mentioned Van Gaal.
The 71-year-old was additionally coach of the Netherlands after they have been crushed on penalties by Argentina within the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
“That is the second time we misplaced to Argentina this manner. Two World Cups with the identical coach for the Netherlands.
“I requested the gamers to coach and to practise penalties, so I’ve nothing to reproach them for. To come back again and equalise… to lose on penalties is unlucky.”
Van Gaal returned for a 3rd spell in cost in August 2021 after present process remedy for aggressive prostate most cancers.
The Oranje are unbeaten in 20 video games below Van Gaal, together with Friday’s match, however he confirmed he can be stepping down from the job as deliberate.
“The boys are feeling despondent. They gave every part and I’m extremely proud. I had a beautiful time,” he mentioned.
“It’s extremely painful to see how we’ve been eradicated as a result of I did every part I might to forestall this.”
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