Dutch win vindicates Van Gaal, whether he wants it or not

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At 71 years old and after a coaching career that has spanned more than 30 years, Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal probably won't feel the need for revenge, but he could point to the Dutch performance in their 3-1 round of 16 win.

Van Gaal has made it clear that his only goal is to win the World Cup and that's all. His team scored three goals, including one wonderfully worked team move, and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in four years, after facing criticism for what has been termed " boring" football.

It was no surprise that in his post match news conference, Van Gaal was in a playful mood, and at one point kissed the cheek of the man of the match.

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It was only a matter of time before Dumfries was in his manager's good books after he scored one goal and assisted on two others. Further questioning of Van Gaal's style will have to wait another day after he revealed that the way in which the US were dismantled came from the training ground.

The Netherlands' first goal involved a build-up of more than 20 passes that zigzagged across the pitch before Dumfries, playing as a right wing-back, was given the space out wide to cut the ball back into the penalty area for Memphis Depay.

The goal is to see all of the system we play. We address that in training sessions and attack the spaces. This is where the core of the system is being executed, and it was a great team goal.

Critics zero.

He has faced doubters before, most recently during his time at Manchester United, and what was clear was that he wouldn't change.

He says he has become less concerned with playing attractive, expansive football and more focused on winning. At times that can be at odds with a Dutch desire for total football, but Van Gaal has made it clear that his priority is to return home as world champion, not just win fans. He thinks it's better to prepare for a World Cup quarterfinals than to bow out early.

"I know the media don't always report in a positive way, that is a given, but top countries didn't progress and we still have three matches." We can become world champion, not that we will, but we can.

There is still a long way to go before a possible final, but Van Gaal has at least quietened the noise.

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There were calls for the Netherlands to include more attacking players, but there will be no such questions in the quarterfinals. In the two goals that were scored against the US, one wing-back assisted the other.

"I'm very happy if my players score a goal, they were fantastic," Van Gaal said. He smiled and said, "If the left wing-back gives a cross to the right wing-back and the other way around, it is marvellous."

When they face Argentina in the next round, there won't be any changes to the way they set up. He insists that that is not a weakness.

He said that Team USA didn't adjust or adapt and that's probably why they won. I don't think France, Argentina or Spain will adapt to the Dutch way of life. I believe we have a good chance here.

"I don't mind the criticism, I get enough appreciation from the people around me," he said when asked about it, "but I would rather have a smile on my face than listen to it." He doesn't need to be told he's right -- win or lose, he believes it firmly -- but validation of his methods was against the United States, even if he doesn't want it.