As the second half of extra time was coming to an end, we saw one of the most bizarre (if not unusual) substitutions of the World Cup, in the Quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Costa Rica.
Tim Krul, who plies his trade with English Premier League side Newcastle United, was seen warming up with goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek in the 115th minute. Mind you, it meant removing first choice keeper- Jasper Cillessen and replacing him with 6 feet 4 inch Krul, who boasted a not so impressive record of saving 2 penalties out of the twenty he has faced so far in his club career.
Fifteen minutes later, Krul was the unexpected Dutch hero being applauded by all his of his team mates, but getting the most praise and accolades was Louis Van Gaal. Famously nicknamed as the ‘the Iron Tulip’ due to his inflexibility as well as his rigid self-confidence, he absolutely knew what he was doing.
Van Gaal said of his gamble:
“We thought it through. Every player has certain skills and qualities and they don’t always coincide. We felt Tim would be the most appropriate keeper to save penalties. You would have seen that Tim dived to the right corner twice. We’re a tiny bit proud this trick has helped us through.”
He said that he had discussed the plan with Krul, whose longer reach, he thought, would help him in the shootout. But not with Cillessen.
“We said nothing to Jasper because we didn’t want him to know before the game. But as I’ve explained, every keeper has specific qualities. Tim has a longer reach and a better track record with penalties than Cillessen. “We had discussed it with Tim. He knew about their penalties because he needed to be prepared. It worked out. If it hadn’t, it would have been my mistake.”
As rightly said by LVG, Tim Krul was completely prepared, diving in the right direction for all the four he faced and in the process saving two penalties. It was a risky gamble, but there’s a saying in poker – the best player can always see the three cards ahead of his opponents.
Van Gaal’s inspired subs hardly new. Kluivert alongside him on Dutch bench reminder of 95: replaced Litmanen, scored & won Ajax European Cup.
– Henry Winter (@Henrywinter)
While every fan back in Holland might be getting excited by the prospect of another World Cup Final in two consecutive competitions, how do the Manchester United supporters feel about their soon-to-be manager? A little more optimistic maybe? Surely the last two weeks have been full of frenzy for the United supporters, which they haven’t experienced during a dreadful last season under David Moyes.
Two promising signings within a week, the English Luke Shaw and Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera, could mean that the age old cries from United fans to replace the diminishing Patrice Evra and to get a first-team quality central midfielder., have been heard. So is this the so called “LVG effect”? Not to mention the long-list of new players that are being rumoured to being lined up in LVG’s new era.
Already boasting of an over-impressive CV with titles in the Eredivisie, La Liga and the Bundesliga, a win in Brazil would certainly intensify the trust they seem to have in their new manager. He hasn’t yet arrived at Carrington where Ryan Giggs has already begun the preseason training nor has he given any press conferences, let alone winning championships, but many have begun to see him as a ‘Messiah’ to bring them back to the glory days.
The trophy laden era under Sir Alex Ferguson saw a Manchester United play traditional 4-4-2 for almost over 20years, but Van Gaal will be determined to make his mark and excite the fans with something new. The transition will be an enthralling episode to watch, for this traditional system has been key to the success United have enjoyed under Sir Alex.
The Dutch have been the most versatile with their formations at the World Cup, switching from a 5-3-2 to a 3-4-3 while on the ball, with the lighting speed of Arjen Robben terrifying the opponent defences. They even switched to a 4-4-2 in the second round of extra time against Costa Rica to adjust Klass-Jans Huntelaar with Robin Van Persie, which indicated how comfortable and still efficient they are in executing LVG’s tactics superbly. Van Gaal has preferred a 4-3-3 in his past clubs too, so it’s going to be an interesting watch to see how the Red Devils shape up under LvG this season.
It was just a pleasure to watch how efficiently LVG has transformed the likes of Wesley Snejider and Dirk Kuyt to name a few, to push his team for another final in four years. Sneijder looks like he’s back to his 2010-11 season best, while Dirk Kuyt, who was sold at a mere €1 million, seems to be everywhere on the pitch. Throughout his career, he has played at a wide range of roles, from centre-forward to left-mid to a right wing back, and seems to have ample energy for constantly racing up and down his right flank, making runs, tracking back, harrying opponents and generally battling to create space! Arjen Robben looks he’s ready to win the World Cup and has undoubtedly been one of the best performers in this edition of the tournament. Surely, has to be the LVG effect! Too early to say this, but the sense of ‘optimism’ rises again: What wonders LVG could make work with some of the finest players at Old Trafford?
The Wayne Rooney-Robin Van Persie saga will still continue as preparations for the new season begin, and this might be the toughest assignment LVG has on his hands. The over-pampering of Wayne Rooney with a bumper contract extension by previous manager David Moyes did cause some unrest among players, especially Van Persie. It remains to be seen whether LVG’s appreciation of van Persie translates into him being made the club captain ahead of Rooney, and whether this will add any more fuel to the already-existing fire.
So will Louis Van Gaal win a trophy in his first season at Manchester United?
Already excited by the charisma and leadership abilities he will surely bring to Old Trafford, along with the fantastic display by the not-so- fashionable Netherlands team so far, United fans will be hoping to have a honeymoon period this season. If LVG manages to get a grip and deliver with immediate effect, it won’t be long till we hear some unique chants from the Stretford End. Hopefully, he will arrive as the ‘World Cup winning coach’!
