Louis van Gaal and the Netherlands’ unlikely lads

Van Gaal trying to win World Cup with just a sprinkle of stardust

Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert clears the ball from USA's Haji Wright during the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Picture  Adam Davy/PA Wire. 

As Daley Blind set off on his goal celebration, every other player joined the chase. They started from the penalty area on a diagonal course across the pitch. Blind was first. He was sprinting towards the technical area where an older man — dark suit, orange tie, polished shoes — was waiting for him, arms outstretched.

That was a wonderful moment as Blind arrived at the side of the pitch and gripped hold of his father, Danny, right-hand man to Louis van Gaal. Very soon, it became a pile-on. Every Dutch player was welcome to intrude on this special father-son embrace. At least two members of the team appeared to be trying to crowd-surf.