Football
ESPN staff 10y

Van Gaal positive about Netherlands

Louis van Gaal is optimistic about Netherlands' chances heading into the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup after they clinched top spot in Group B with a 2-0 victory against Chile.

- Delaney: Netherlands have nothing to fear
- Sampaoli: Chile are ready for anyone

Having already secured their progress to the round of 16, the Dutch sealed first place in their group as goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay defeated the Chileans in Sao Paulo.

Asked if Netherlands can win the World Cup, Van Gaal said at his postmatch news conference: "We will have to wait and see. It depends on many different factors.

"A team and coach don't always control these elements. Today was a match played at the highest level and the most clever team won the match. Any team that ends up in the last 16 is a good team.

"You have to allow your squad to play according to the qualities they have. For me, it's all about winning. We have got to develop a strategy that will help us win.

"It is nice for a coach to see that this is being confirmed by the results, because if that's not the case, you would chop off my head. I played like this with AZ [Alkmaar], and we had the same strategies and style and we were the champions.

"This has to do with the fact that I, with my staff, always want to score one more goal than the opponent. I've been saying this from the beginning."

Van Gaal, who will take over at Manchester United after this summer's international tournament, was also asked about the Old Trafford club.

He replied: "I think Manchester United has nothing to do with this. If you look at my CV, I win a lot of matches and that's not new."

Meanwhile, Arjen Robben, who assisted Netherlands' second goal, was pleased with his nation's performances during the group stage and has urged the Dutch to maintain their standards in the round of 16.

He said: "Credit to both teams. There was a lot of passion on the pitch. I'm proud of the way we defended as a team. Chile are second in the group, but I think they can go far in the tournament.

"We don't want to stop here. We have to take some time to enjoy this result, but we have to change our mindset and immediately look ahead.

"We've won the game and have done our job. We are first in the group and what comes next is not in our own hands. We have to be prepared for what team will come in the next round."

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