would debut
Bond coach Louis van Gaal has to do without Memphis Depay (28) in the first game of the World Cup. The FC Barcelona striker, who was injured for a long time, took part in the Dutch national team’s final training session, but a match against African champions Senegal on Monday (5 p.m. CET/ZDF) is still too early. “We have to do without Depay, they are here without Sadio Mané. Compensating for this will be the task for the game,” said van Gaal on Sunday. “The first game is always the most important of the tournament. It sets the pace for the rest of the tournament.”
When it came to the goalkeeping question, van Gaal didn’t let anyone look at his cards, but exchanged blows with a media representative instead. “I know, you don’t,” said the 71-year-old. When asked if he would reveal: “No.” Why not? “I never announce my squad.” The coach has the choice between Remko Pasveer (39), Justin Bijlow (24) and Andries Noppert (28) in goal. Surprisingly, Mark Flekken (29) from Freiburg, like Jasper Cillessen (33), was not nominated.
According to consistent media reports in the Netherlands, Noppert will be between the posts at the start of the World Cup. Write this among others “De Telegraaf“, “Voetbal International” and the “Algemeen Dagblad“. The SC Heerenveen keeper would celebrate his debut with the national team. Noppert moved back to his hometown from the Go Ahead Eagles last summer, where he is a regular goalkeeper. With six appearances without conceding a goal in a total of 14 games, he is one of the top three goalkeepers in the Eredivisie.
Bond coach van Gaal: “We can become world champions”
As for his ambitions, the veteran coach has been clear. “We can become world champions,” said van Gaal and sent a reason afterwards. “At the 2014 World Cup we finished third with a team that didn’t have as much quality. So I’m expecting more.” Of course, a lot depends on tactics, technique and luck. In terms of squad value, the Netherlands ranks eighth among the most valuable World Cup teams with €587.25 million.
World Cup 2022: The participants sorted by squad values
To home page