SPORTS BRIEF
- Louis van Gaal has sparked a social media row with his comments on the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Van Gaal, who coached the Netherlands at the tournament, claims games were premeditated
- Lionel Messi won his first World Cup as Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout in the final
Former coach of the Netherlands, Louis Van Gaal has made some damaging allegations about the 2022 FIFA World Cup that was staged in Qatar.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first-ever World Cup trophy since 1986, beating defending champions France in an energy-sapping final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
It was a sweet turnaround for Messi, who managed to go all the way despite watching his side go 2-1 down to minnows, Saudi Arabia in their first group game.
La Albiceleste then beat Mexico and Poland to make it through to the knockout stages.
Van Gaal’s comments on Messi’s World Cup win
Argentine then saw off Australia in the round of 16, beat van Gaal’s Dutch side in the quarter-finals, and thrashed 2018 finalists Croatia in the last four.
However, the former coach of the Netherlands has now claimed the games were premeditated and lined up for Messi to complete a football fairy tale.
“I don’t really want to say much about it. When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it was all a premeditated game,” said van Gaal, as translated from a quote by Dutch publication NOS.
Argentina vs the Netherlands in World Cup
Save for the final, the Argentina versus the Netherlands game was one of the hardest-fought games of the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni’s side had raced to a 2-0 lead before Wout Weghorst came off the bench to score a quickfire brace and force the game to extra time and penalties.
The game is also remembered for Messi’s uncharacteristic outburst that saw him confront van Gaal and Weghorst, as reported by talkSPORT. The 72-year-old believes everything was arranged for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I mean everything I say. That Messi should become the world champion? I think so, yes.”
The comments have provoked reactions from fans, with support and criticism coming in equal measure.
@SaraFCBI said:
“Argentina had 2 goals disallowed against Saudi Arabia, had 11 minutes added against the Netherlands where the Dutch equalised, conceded 2 penalties in the final… but according to Louis Van Gaal, it’s APPARENTLY RIGGED FOR ARGENTINA.”
@JudeRMS said:
“Louis Van Gaal is an experienced coach with knowledge of every single aspect of modern football… Said that the World Cup was rigged for Messi to win. Only Messi fanboys will keep denying this”
The former Manchester United manager stepped down from his role after the tournament in Qatar, with Ronald Koeman replacing him.
EA Sports introduces Messi’s celebration
Sports Brief had previously reported on EA Sports introducing Messi’s infamous celebration against van Gaal in the latest edition of its football simulator.
The 2023/2024 game will be the first game released after the brand ended their licensing agreement with FIFA and will be henceforth known as FC24.
There has been a raft of additions, including Messi’s celebration he used after Argentina beat the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
