Dutch can improve on Spain rout confident Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal believes his Netherlands side can still improve on their historic 5-1 drubbing of Spain in their World Cup opener on Friday. Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice as Holland avenged their 2010 World Cup final defeat by routing the holders in emphatic style.

Spain suffered their heaviest World Cup defeat and their worst loss since being drubbed 6-2 by Scotland in 1963. ‘That wasn’t what you expect from your first World Cup match, I had expected the manner of the goals, but not that many. It’s everything to do with strategy and the willingness of the players to convert their chances with conviction,’ admitted the Dutch coach.

The future Man U manager was adamant when asked if his side can improve on their stunning display. ‘Yes, without a shadow of a doubt, you could see that in the last 20 minutes when we started to play the ball around. This result gives the players confidence and I expect us to play better,’ said Van Gaal.