Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal Friday said there was no danger of taking quarter-final opponents Costa Rica lightly – but added that confidence is growing about his team’s World Cup chances.
Van Gaal said the three-time finalists would not be complacent against the giant-killing Central Americans, who have reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
But he indicated that the Netherlands, who have won four in a row in Brazil, were already considering a place in the final as they aim for their first World Cup title.
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“No, no, no. I don’t think there’s any question of underestimating Costa Rica,” Van Gaal told reporters in Salvador.
“I would say that the players consider this to be the most important stage and they are going for their objective. And the objective is not something we want to underestimate.”
Injured midfielder Nigel de Jong said: “If Costa Rica got this far, it’s not for nothing. They did it with a lot of passion, belief and faith.
“They will play without pressure so we shouldn’t take them too lightly or underestimate them.”
‘Los Ticos’ certainly deserve serious consideration after topping a group including World Cup-winners Italy, England and Uruguay and downing Euro 2004 champions Greece in the last 16.
But van Gaal said belief was growing in the squad after three come-from-behind wins, including the last-gasp 2-1 victory over Mexico in the first knock-out round.
“Our goal has always been to win world championships,” said the coach. “We’re not a fantastic team but we’re a team that’s difficult to beat... and I hope we can keep that up, up to and including the final.”
Van Gaal admitted that it would be “very difficult” to replace De Jong, an intimidating physical presence in midfield who is out with a groin injury.
But he was heartened by the form of veteran playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who scored against Mexico and is one of a group of senior players who have taken a leadership role on the field.
“We were able to come back on two occasions knowing that penalties had been unjustly awarded,” said van Gaal, referring to the games against Spain and Australia.
“If we go behind, in any case we corrected that situation three times already in this World Cup so I think we can remain rather confident in this respect.”
He added: “I’ve always said it’s not the most fantastic team but the best 23 players will win this World Cup. We’ve been able to achieve outstanding results ... even if we lose, the Dutch team will fight every single minute to become world champions.”
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
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GULF MEN'S LEAGUE
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
Opening fixtures
Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Sri Lanka World Cup squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Milinda Siriwardana, Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
The specs: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Price, base: Dh132,000
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 285hp @ 6,400rpm
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UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
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*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The biog
Favourite book: Men are from Mars Women are from Venus
Favourite travel destination: Ooty, a hill station in South India
Hobbies: Cooking. Biryani, pepper crab are her signature dishes
Favourite place in UAE: Marjan Island
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh554,000
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
