Van Gaal to TV 2: Slaughter the Denmark boss’s proposal
– It’s rubbish! I can explain why, but I think it’s rubbish, says van Gaal to TV 2.
The question is handled about the discussion that has been going on in connection with a possible change to the WC set-up.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand launched the following proposal after the start of the World Cup because it was unclear whether it would pay to finish first or second in France, Denmark, Tunisia and Australia’s group after Argentina lost its opening game.
– I have always thought that in a World Cup it would be a very, very good idea to draw lots between the first and second places, so that you cannot look at another group and judge, said Hjulmand.
– We have stated earlier in history that a team might consider facing someone else, especially when it is a match that is played before you have to go into action yourself. This allows you to choose. I don’t think it’s right in sports that it doesn’t always pay to win, said the Denmark boss.
The Danes did not have to take the concern into account, as they exited the championship with only one point.
For Spain, on the other hand, the issue was highly topical. Towards the end of Thursday’s game, they were able to take their foot off the gas pedal even though they were down 1-2 against Japan, as Germany comfortably led Costa Rica, and thus sailed into a favorable second place.
While group winner Japan meets Croatia in the round of 16, Spain will face Morocco in what is expected to be an easier match. The way forward to the semi-finals will, by all accounts, be a favorable one since the Portuguese groups, which have been the case as workers.
Nevertheless, van Gaal believes that it is “nonsense” to change the set-up to a draw where you cannot count on whether first or second place pays off.
– I think all teams want to win. Football is a sport where surprises can happen. It’s not like the best always wins, says van Gaal to TV 2.
USA national team manager Gregg Berhalter was also given Hjulmand’s proposal for changing the World Cup to TV 2.
– It’s interesting, says Berhalter and thinks about it a bit.
– An interesting concept. I actually haven’t thought about it before. When the World Cup is over, I might have time to think about it and give you a better answer, he says.
Berhalter turns to his captain Tyler Adams and asks, “Anything you want to add?”
– I don’t care, Adams finally says from the hall.