Louis van Gaal reacts to “difficult” 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash with USA | OneFootball

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal is expecting a difficult tie as his side discovered they will face USA after Group B concluded their final matches with England securing a 3-0 win against Wales and Team USA beating Iran, according to NOS.

Oranje secured top spot in Group A with a convincing performance against host nation Qatar, securing a tie against Group B’s runners-up on Saturday December 3 while Senegal will face Group A’s winner England.

Van Gaal, who is in his third spell as Oranje head coach, admits he will need to study USA closely in the coming days to prepare but sees similarities in previous World Cup outings such as Australia back in 2014 in Brazil.

“I haven’t seen them yet, only in summaries. Which you don’t have a good picture. But they finished second, then no doubt they are not as good as No. 1.

“I know from experience that matches against countries like the United States and Australia, which we faced at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, are always very difficult,” the 71-year-old national coach continued.

“They are very fanatical and sharp on the ball.”