BRAZIL v NETHERLANDS: Better to lose 7-1 than in penalty shootout, Van Gaal says

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal says Friday that he would have preferred a 7-1 thrashing against Argentina instead of the defeat in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless semi-final game went into extra time.

Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal attends a press conference in Brasilia on July 11, 2014. The Netherlands face Brazil on July 12 for the third place in the World Cup. Photo by EPA/Koen van Weel
Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal attends a press conference in Brasilia on July 11, 2014. The Netherlands face Brazil on July 12 for the third place in the World Cup. Photo by EPA/Koen van Weel

"The team is very sad, very sad. A dream is broken that will never return," Van Gaal said in Brasilia, ahead of Saturday's match for third place against hosts Brazil, who lost 7-1 to Germany in the second semi-final match. 

"It was all about being number one. Losing like that is the most terrible thing. It's better to lose 7-1, because then you actually lose clearly," Van Gaal said.

The coach, who is leaving the national team and will be in charge at Manchester United next season, asked the players for a farewell present Saturday: Van Gaal wants his players to be the first Dutch team to end a World Cup undefeated.

"That must be our next goal. We want to leave undefeated," he said. "We want to make history for the Netherlands, because the Netherlands have always lost at least one match."

He cited their World Cup runner-up teams of 1974 and 1978.

"I am disappointed. We came here with one single goal and with the confidence that we could attain it. It has been confirmed (that it was possible). We are not the best team in terms of quality, but we are the toughest to beat. It's a pity not to reach the final," he said.

Van Gaal noted that he will focus on players' mindset in picking the team for Saturday.

Veteran Dirk Kuyt said this is "the best" Dutch team he has been based on "team spirit and the atmosphere."

"We want to get on the plane with a good feeling," said Kuyt. "Third place leaves a better feeling."