SAO PAULO – Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has criticised Dutch coach Luis van Gaal’s tactics in their Group B game, saying the Netherlands chose a defensive style of play in their 2-0 victory.
“We wanted to play the game and Holland didn’t,” said Sampaoli.
“It was the game I expected with Holland defending deep and hitting us on the break. We had our chances but unfortunately we couldn’t score.
“We tried to win the game but we could not find a solution against a team that only defended. We could not break down this very strong wall that they put in front of us.
“They broke the game up with fouls and it was frustrating. But our spirit is still good and we go with our heads held high into the next round.” But van Gaal defended his tactics.
“The most intelligent team is the one that wins the game. Our counter-attacks were excellent,” he said.
“Chile had chances in the first half but we scored the goals.”
The Dutch coach played down his success with the national team, which won all three group games, and his new job as Manchester United manager. “The United job has nothing to do with this success and if you look at my curriculum then you will see that winning is nothing new for me,” he said.
Chile coach Sampaoli said his team would be able to pick themselves up and go again in the next phase, where they look like facing Brazil.
