Netherlands "lost the plot" during their 2-0
defeat to France on Wednesday, according to coach Louis van Gaal.
A lacklustre performance in Paris saw Netherlands fall to
their first defeat in 18 matches, a run that stretches all the way back to
August 2012.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup runners-up only forced Hugo
Lloris into one save in the whole 90 minutes, with Robin van Persie often
looking isolated in attack.
Karim Benzema and Blaise Matuidi scored the all-important
goals, but the Real Madrid striker had two other chances to score in a first
half dominated by the hosts.
And Van Gaal knows his side have to improve quickly ahead
of the FIFA World Cup.
"For 25 minutes we were the better team," said
Van Gaal. "But after the goal we lost the plot.
"France have a very good team, but I do not think we
should lose. We lost too many balls in midfield.
"It was not the most experienced team, and it was a
better second half with more tactical discipline.
"In the second half we still created a few chances,
at least more than in the first half, but then it was already too late
"We have to show something else in Brazil."
Netherlands have two friendlies remaining, against
Ecuador and Wales, before the side's World Cup opener against Spain on June 13
in a re-run of the 2010 final.
Culled from Soccerway
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