Van Gaal contracted a corona infection last week and still tests positive, which prevents him from traveling. “According to the doctor, these are residual symptoms of the coronavirus and that lingers longer with a PCR test.”
Van Gaal is not worried about the fact that the Orange is not a group head on Friday due to the draw and because Portugal qualified for the World Cup. “I think our opponent from pot 1 will be Qatar. I always have luck hanging on my ass.”
Compliments
Van Gaal also had compliments for the opponent on Tuesday evening in the Johan Cruijff Arena. “Germany gives ‘Louis van Gaal pressure. That’s a different way of putting pressure like Denmark did on Saturday. You saw, especially in the first half, that we couldn’t avoid playing football,” said the national coach.
“We were sloppy,” continued Van Gaal. “The good thing was that, although Germany had the upper hand, we didn’t really give up a chance. We had ourselves to thank for the goal that we conceded shortly before half-time.”
Van Gaal was happy with the second half. “It was fantastic, what a spirit,” said the 70-year-old trainer. „Only if Frenkie de Jong had the ball, we could play football under the pressure. We have made so many steps this week. Germany is a top country. They are a candidate to win the World Cup, I think.” Van Gaal further said that he thought that the Orange was withheld a penalty shortly after the 1-1. “Otherwise we’ll just win this game.”