Lionel Messi, Argentina were favoured in FIFA World Cup 2022, alleges Ex-Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal, the former Netherlands coach, has alleged that FIFA World Cup 2022 may have been manipulated to favour Lionel Messi-led Argentina. Van Gaal was at the helm of the Dutch team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina eliminated the Netherlands via a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, as per reports.
During an interview at the Eredivisie Awards 2022/23 gala, Van Gaal expressed his concerns, stating, «When you observe the behavior of Argentina and compare it to ours… some Argentinian players crossed the line and faced no consequences.» He went on to speculate, «That's why I believe there may have been a deliberate plan in place.»
When the interviewer pressed him for further elaboration, the former Barcelona manager chose not to delve into specific details, reports stated.
Meanwhile, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman wants to see a tougher mental approach from his players after a disappointing start to his new tenure with the team this year. The Dutch have lost three of four games since Koeman replaced Louis van Gaal, including both matches at the Nations League finals which they hosted in June.
They resume their European Championship qualifying campaign on Thursday with a Group B clash against Greece in Eindhoven before a trip to Dublin on Sunday to take on the Republic of Ireland.
On the other hand, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino talked about the approach they are willing to take in their upcoming games in the absence of their captain and ace forward Lionel Messi. The World Cup-winning Argentinian will be a notable absentee in their upcoming fixtures as Messi has been included in Argentina’s latest squad for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia.
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