Netherlands are one of the teams with an outside chance of winning the World Cup 2014. They made it to the final of the 2010 edition, but the team has been suffering from a poor run of form since then. The appointment of Louis van Gaal has worked wonders because they have been slowly regaining their lost confidence. The recent 0-0 draw with Columbia, who are regarded as one of the dangerous teams from South America, has helped the team extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches. This record delights Louis van Gaal, who has won trophies that club and international levels.
The draw was a fantastic result for Netherlands even though they were playing at home. This was because they had to play for more than an hour with just 10 men after Lens was sent off in the 35th minute. Columbia had the likes of Radamel Falcao up front, which made them extremely potent. However, Netherlands were able to keep them at bay and also created the occasional chances. The last defeat suffered by Netherlands was back in August 2012 against Belgium in a friendly encounter.
“I’m very proud, very happy. With 11 men we were the better team and with 10 men we stayed very clever in the game. I have seen a great match. Perhaps the best under my leadership. Even with 10 men we played convincingly. We have continued to fight in the game,” said van Gaal. He also said that Lens should have had more control of the situation that led to his red card. He was given a straight red for raising his hands against Pablo Armero.
They have a friendly match against France, who recently qualified for the World Cup through the play-offs, in March before they play at the World Cup.