World Cup 2022: US’s tournament dream gets huge boost as Netherlands squad hit with ‘flu’ outbreak
Luke Gentile
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The Netherlands World Cup team is battling an outbreak of “flu symptoms” ahead of its round of 16 game against the United States.
Dutch head coach Louis van Gaal expressed concern over the outbreak as players, including star midfielder Frenkie de Jong, have reported feeling ill before the knockout-stage game, according to a report.
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“We are not going to elaborate on that,” van Gaal said. “But, if it goes around in the group, it is worrying.”
The Dutch did not have a hard practice or do any 11-on-11 practice before Saturday’s game against the U.S., the report noted.
“I gave them a day of rest,” the Netherlands’s head coach said.
“With this group, they communicate that to me. I listen to my players.”
Still, van Gaal maintains his team is fit to play.
“There are not 15 or so cases, so, in principle, everyone is fit and available,” he said.
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Kickoff for the U.S. v. Netherlands game is scheduled for 10 a.m. EST.