Louis Van Gaal feels the Netherlands can “write history” against Brazil tonight, but protested FIFA favouring the hosts.
The third place play-off kicks off in Brasilia at 21.00 UK time (20.00 GMT), following on from the Dutch penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina.
“We haven’t lost a match,” pointed out Van Gaal, who will join Manchester United after the tournament.
Louis Van Gaal feels the Netherlands can “write history” against Brazil tonight, but protested FIFA favouring the hosts.
The third place play-off kicks off in Brasilia at 21.00 UK time (20.00 GMT), following on from the Dutch penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina.
“We haven’t lost a match,” pointed out Van Gaal, who will join Manchester United after the tournament.
This could become the first Holland side to remain unbeaten at a World Cup in normal and extra time.
“I had two and a half days to analyse and watch Brazil and I don’t want to leave anything to chance.
“I have been focusing on Brazil and I hope I can prepare my players in such a way that we can play a good match, win the game and write history.”
However, Van Gaal has been vocal throughout the tournament on his dislike for the very idea of a third place play-off and FIFA ‘favouring’ the hosts.
“I will stick to the facts. The facts are that Brazil started first. And Brazil again has played their semi-final first and we played a day later.
“These are the facts. I am not going to beat around the bush. Then you know what the implications are if that is the case.
“The question is why? I think Scolari should think about that if he wants to do that and is allowed to do that.
“We have one day less than Brazil. We have to get into shape in two and a half days, which physically is hard.”