DOHA (AP) — Three wins away from the title that eluded the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal filled the World Cup with hugs, kisses and dances.
He captains his country for the third time at the age of 71, and is the oldest coach in the tournament. He’s also perhaps the most stylish, walking into the ensemble in an orange tie, dark suit, and dress shoes.
Van Gaal’s Netherlands are on a 19-match winning streak ahead of their quarter-final match against Argentina on Friday. Known as the “Iron Tulip”, he was as entertaining off the field as his players were on the field.
Van Gaal responded enthusiastically to the praise of a reporter from Senegal: “Oh, I can hug you. I’ll give you a big hug later,” according to the interpreter.
After the press conference, Van Gaal followed through on his promise and pointed at Mahmoud Joy’s door to the podium and wrapped him in his arms, patting him on the back and patting him on the forehead.
Days later, Van Gaal joined his players in a line dance as they arrived at the St Regis Hotel in Doha.
Van Gaal led Ajax, Barcelona, Alkmaar, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, and achieved seven league titles, but he is seeking his first title with his country.
Mentality is as important as tactics.
“It gives us a lot of confidence and clarity. Everyone knows what they need us to do,” said Denzel Dumfries, who scored and assisted in a 3-1 win over the United States, to take the Netherlands to the quarter-finals.
Van Gaal first took over as Orange coach in 2000 and resigned two years later after failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. He returned in 2012 and led the team to the 2014 World Cup, which they lost on penalties to Argentina in the semi-finals. The Netherlands finished third after beating home country Brazil 3-0.
Returning in August 2021 to replace Frank de Boer, Van Gaal made the controversial decision to feature 28-year-old goalkeeper Andres Neuport in the World Cup opener against Senegal.
The Netherlands have the distinction of having played the most World Cup finals without a win, which is a wound to their fans.
“We can become world champions – it’s not that we’ll become world champions,” said Van Gaal. “We can be world champions.”
