The Netherlands only need a point to qualify from Group A as they face the hosts Qatar in the final group game.
In response to the lacklustre 1-1 draw against Ecuador last time out, Louis Van Gaal told the Guardian ‘’I agree with the criticism, but we are unbeaten for 17 matches’’.
In fact, the Netherlands have only lost one out of their last 25 internationals and finished second and third in their last two World Cup appearances.
Qatar have lost their two games, eliminating them from the competition and cementing them as the worst-performing host nation in World Cup history.
Felix Sanchez, Qatar manager, told the Indian Express, “We are aware of how tough this competition is. We wanted to go far but we know we had limitations as a country.”
Cody Gakpo will be looking to continue his sparkling form, which has seen him draw attention from Premier League clubs.
Gakpo told the Express, ‘’My focus is now on the World Cup, but it is always nice to hear of such rumours.”
Van Gaal will be hoping that Memphis Depay will be able to join him in attack, as Depay is still yet to start a game due to an ongoing injury.
