Three wins away from the title that has eluded the Netherlands, Louis Van Gaal has filled the World Cup with hugs, kisses and dances.
Leading his country for the third time at age 71, he is the oldest coach in the tournament. He is also perhaps the most elegant, walking in the band in his orange tie, dark suit, and dress shoes.
Van Gaal’s Netherlands are in the midst of a 19-match winning streak ahead of their quarterfinal against Argentina on Friday. Known as the “Iron Tulip,” he has been as entertaining off the pitch as his players have been on the pitch.
Van Gaal responded to the praise of a reporter from Senegal with enthusiasm: “Oh, I can hug you. I’ll give you a big hug later,” according to the translator.
Following the press conference, Van Gaal followed through on his promise and motioned for Pap Mahmoud Gueye to the dais and wrapped him in his arms, patting him on the back and tapping him on the forehead.
Days later, Van Gaal joined his players in line dancing as they arrived at the St. Regis hotel in Doha.
Van Gaal has led Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, winning seven league titles, but is seeking his first title with his national team.
The mentality is as important as the tactics.
“It gives us a lot of confidence, clarity. Everyone knows what he needs us to do,” said Denzel Dumfries, who scored once and assisted in the 3-1 win over the United States to send the Netherlands into the quarterfinals.
Van Gaal took over as Oranje coach for the first time in 2000 and resigned two years later after failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. He returned in 2012 and led the team to the 2014 World Cup, which they lost on penalties to Argentina in the semifinals . The Netherlands finished third after beating local Brazil 3-0.
He returned in August 2021 to replace Frank de Boer and Van Gaal made the controversial decision to debut 28-year-old goalkeeper Andries Nopport in the World Cup opener against Senegal.