Netherlands managed to extend the unbeaten run to 6 matches after the 1-1 draw with Italians, but they could have easily got a victory against the Italians had they been more clinical in finishing according to the manager Louis van Gaal. The former Bayern Munich manager has been able to transform the fortunes of the Dutch team, which suffered a lot in recent major tournaments. He has been able to find a winning formula once again. Netherlands opened the scoring in the match through Lens in the 33rd minute. However, they were unable to hold on to the lead as the midfielder Verratti equalised in injury time to hand the second consecutive draw for Louis van Gaal’s men.
He praised his players for creating numerous chances over the course of the match, but they were unable to find the killer second goal that ultimately proved to be the reason for the downfall. Yet, he has seen several positives from the match including the option of utilising Lens as a striker. Van Gaal has said that he was able to give the PSV striker the opportunity to lead the attack due to the injury for Huntelaar. Netherlands will be taking on Estonia in a World Cup qualifying match in March.
“We created many chances. We had to win this game with an early second goal but, as a team, we played well, in the style of the Dutch school of football. Tonight, (Cesare) Prandelli decided to play 4-4-2, and we took too long to recover. (Daryl) Janmaat came into midfield, but it was too late when he did that. The moment that we were finally back in the game, they scored the equaliser. We could see tonight that Lens is an interesting option in the striker role. In the future he will play in that position because he is a very good player,” said Louis van Gaal.