FIFA World Cup 2014: Dutch coach says this is just the beginning

Salvador: Louis van Gaal believes his Netherlands side can still improve on their historic 5-1 drubbing of Spain in their World Cup opener. “That wasn’t what you expect from your first World Cup match, I had expected the manner of the goals, but not that many,” admitted the Dutch coach.

“It’s everything to do with strategy and the willingness of the players to convert their chances with conviction,” he added. The future Manchester United manager was adamant when asked if his side can improve on their stunning display. “Yes, without a shadow of a doubt, you could see that in the last 20 minutes when we started to play the ball around,” said Van Gaal.

“This result gives the players confidence and I expect us to play better,”  Van Gaal added. “We were so sure the way Spain would attack, but it worked out better than expected,” he said. Van Gaal will take over as Manchester United manager after the World Cup and he admitted being touched when United star Van Persie sprinted towards him after his equaliser. “A player doesn’t have to do that, he can go to his fellow players, it’s just appreciation, but it was wonderful and it was emotional,” admitted Van Gaal.