Van Gaal gives shock Messi opinion ahead of World Cup quarter-final

The Dutch take on Argentina on Friday aiming to progress to the semi-finals for the second time during his tenure.

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Van Gaal has already spoken ahead of the clash, praising Argentinian talisman Lionel Messi, however the 71-year-old does believe he could be a weak link for the two-time winners.

"He is indeed the most dangerous player who creates the most chances and also makes them himself," he told NOS (via Voetbal Zone).

"But on the other hand he does not play much with the opponent when he has possession of the ball. That is also where our chances lie."

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Van Gaal, who was in the Netherlands dugout back in 2014 when his side lost to Argentina on penalties in the semi-finals, insists his side must take revenge.

"We still have a score to settle,' he said. 'I don't like to think about it because I thought we would win and then I also exchanged for the win.

"I would like to convince the people at home to just go and watch the game and cheer for us. Then we will derive a lot of support from that."

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As well as dishing out some honest opinions on his next opponent, the former Man United boss was less than impressed with Brazil too.

"I've seen them [Brazil], that's just a counter team," Van Gaal said.

"I read in the Dutch media that it was sparkling, but that is just a counter team. South Korea has only attacked."

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