Despite a 1-1 draw against Germany on Tuesday, Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal has been left satisfied with this international window.
The Oranje fell behind on the stroke of half-time through Thomas Muller’s opener, which punctuated a dominant first half for Germany in Amsterdam.
Van Gaal’s side regrouped and equalised thanks to substitute Steven Bergwijn, who gave the Netherlands added verve along with fellow substitutes Davy Klaasen and Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield.
Following a 4-2 win over Denmark on Saturday, the 70-year-old coach was ultimately pleased with the spirit his side showed.
“I think we’ve had a fantastic week,” he said post-match. “We could have won twice. I don’t think a draw against Germany is that bad. I think the public enjoyed the fight.
“Despite the dominance of the Germans in the first half, 0-0 at half-time would not have been crazy. Germany was very strong on the ball, but I think we were good defensively and didn’t give away many chances, despite their dominance.
“In the second half we fought back and thanks to Frenkie de Jong we could play out under pressure from Germany.
The crowd was also great in the second half. We scored a fantastic goal and could have also got a penalty, then we just win this game.”
Losing the opening game of qualifying to eventual Group G runners-up Turkey in Istanbul, the Oranje went the rest of World Cup qualifying undefeated, including a 6-1 demolition in the return leg to claim a place at the Finals in Qatar.
Germany provided a necessary test for Van Gaal and his side, with the veteran tactician praising Die Mannschaft for causing them headaches.
Van Gaal said post-match:
“I understand that Memphis Depay didn’t like the game, because he didn’t have much of the ball.
“We weren’t on the ball, especially in the first half. The guys who normally are and have to give balls to Memphis and [Donyell] Malen were not clean in passing, so we didn’t have much time to attack in the first half.
“That also has to do with form and confidence, but that is also the quality of the German team who can intercept a lot of balls in midfield by applying well-grouped pressure.”
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