Van Gaal: ‘Belgium can become world champion in Qatar, but so can the Netherlands’ NOW

Louis van Gaal still sees Belgium as an absolute top country, even though a large part of the ‘golden generation’ has now stopped or has passed their thirties. According to the national coach of Orange, the Belgians have enough quality to become world champions in Qatar at the end of this year.

“We will play against a top country tomorrow. Belgium is number two in the FIFA world ranking and we are number ten, that says something,” said Van Gaal on Thursday at the Orange press conference in the Koning Boudewijnstadion, the day before the Nations League tournament. duel with the Belgians.

“In the last matches, Belgium has lost or drawn more often than before,” continued Van Gaal. “As a result, they are no longer first. But now the World Cup is approaching, that is the mecca for players. The Belgians want to achieve something there and they also have the quality to achieve that. Yes, Belgium can become world champions in Qatar, but also the Netherlands.”

Van Gaal emphasized that he does not mean that Orange belongs to the absolute world top in terms of players. “I think the best team will become world champions. And not the team with the best players. That’s quite different.”

‘They shouldn’t fester’

Earlier in the day, Belgian national coach Roberto Martínez said that he sees the 128th edition of the Derby of the Low Countries mainly as a preparation match for the World Cup. And that’s how Van Gaal approaches it.

The national coach of Orange will give many players a chance this international period – with a total of four Nations League matches. In his eyes he can do no other. “We play four international matches in eleven days. If I always choose the same line-up, the players become overloaded. It is also good to see many players at work towards the World Cup.”

Even if players do not play, that can be interesting for Van Gaal. “I have to put together a World Cup squad with players who trust each other. With players who can deal with the fact that they are not playing. They must not fester, that also counts. It is about quality and mentality.”

Belgium-Netherlands starts on Friday at 8.45 pm in the King Baudouin Stadium and is led by Spanish referee José María Sánchez. Poland already won 2-1 against Wales in the same Nations League group on Wednesday evening.