Van Gaal gives basic players a rest: Orange trains with reserves for a duel with Wales NOW

The Dutch national team has started the first training session for the game with Wales in the Nations League with a modest group. National coach Louis van Gaal has given the basic players of the won match against Belgium (1-4) rest. He practices with the reserves.

The Netherlands celebrated its first victory over Belgium in almost 25 years on Friday evening. Memphis Depay (2), Steven Bergwijn and Denzel Dumfries scored the goals for the Orange in the King Baudouin Stadium. Wales lost their first game in the Nations League on Wednesday. Poland cleared a deficit in front of its own audience (2-1).

For Wales, the Nations League matches are of secondary importance for the time being. The team will play a decisive game against Ukraine on Sunday for a ticket for the World Cup at the end of this year in Qatar.

Van Gaal sees the duels in the Nations League mainly as an opportunity to practice for the World Cup. However, the group profit also offers advantages. The group winner will be placed in a group of five instead of a group of six in the qualifying tournament for the European Championship of 2024.

Twenty teams and the host country Germany qualify directly for the European Championship of 2024. Three teams can also qualify for the European final round of 2024 based on their performances in the Nations League.