Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal revealed Friday that a number of his players are dealing with flu symptoms on the eve of Saturday’s round-of-16 match against the United States men’s national team
Speaking to reporters in a press conference, van Gaal said that all 26 players of the Dutch squad went through training on Friday, but admitted that he was fearful of the illness spreading through the group. He did not reveal how many players were experiencing symptoms or the names of those that were ill.. “But if it goes around in the group, it is worrying.”
Van Gaal was then asked if he would have enough fit players to take on the U.S. on Saturday. He responded that 15 of his 26 players would have to be ruled out for him to struggle with fielding a team.Though the Netherlands went through training on Friday, they did not have their usual 11 vs. 11 match.
The situation in the Dutch camp bears watching, while on the U.S. side, coach Gregg Berhalter is managing injuries to two key players. Berhalter said Friday that he wasto play through a pelvic contusion, but “a little less” hopeful about the status of striker Josh Sargent, who is nursing an ankle injury.
Both players played significant minutes for the United States during group play and now may be called upon to take on an ailing Netherlands side. Kickoff for the elimination game is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Fox.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup: U.S. star Christian Pulisic hopes to face NetherlandsPulisic bruised his pelvic bone when he collided with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand while scoring in the 38th minute of the Americans’ 1-0 win on Tuesday.
Read more »
USMNT ‘Hopeful’ Christian Pulisic Will Play Saturday vs. NetherlandsUnited States men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter said that he and the team are “hopeful” to have star forward Christian Pulisic back in the lineup for Saturday’s elimination game against the Netherlands
Read more »
USMNT-Netherlands World Cup prediction: An upset is possible, but not likelyIn a NCAA basketball tournament, you go looking for upsets in the bracket. In a World Cup, you pick the favorites.
Read more »
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter says it 'looks pretty good' for Christian Pulisic to play against NetherlandsExpect Christian Pulisic to be with the U.S. men when they take on the Netherlands in the round of 16. It “looks pretty good” for the U.S. star to play Saturday, coach Gregg Berhalter said Friday.
Read more »
World Cup 2022: Alexi Lalas previews United States' chances at upsetting the NetherlandsThe United States is off to the Round of 16 and faces the Netherlands on Saturday morning. Analyst Alexi Lalas says the USMNT has a chance at the upset.
Read more »