Louis van Gaal takes credit for Dutch win after switching tactics during water break
Coach gives himself a few pats on the back after comeback against Mexico
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal took advantage of the first official water break at the World Cup to switch tactics and conjure up a late win for his side over Mexico on Sunday.
He used the second-half break for water – introduced because of the sweltering temperature estimated at around 35 degrees on the field – to change his formation and the Dutch came from a goal down to win 2-1 with two late goals in the last-16 match.
“I first changed to a 4-3-3 and then we created a lot of opportunities with a shot on the post and a fantastic save from [Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa].
“Then I moved to plan B and yes, I did that in the cooling break that is a clever way of benefiting from these breaks,” he said.
A water break in each half is only allowed when the temperature in the stadium is above 30 degrees and is decided on by Fifa doctors. It is pre-arranged with the teams and referees.