Soccer-Dutch can overcome strong U.S. threat, says in-demand Van Gaal

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Netherlands Press Conference - Main Media Center, Doha, Qatar - December 2, 2022 Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal during the press conference REUTERS/Gareth Bumstead

DOHA (Reuters) - Netherlands will not underestimate the United States when they meet in the World Cup last 16 this weekend, manager Louis van Gaal told a media conference on Friday that had almost as many questions about his future as it did about the knockout clash.

Van Gaal described Saturday's opponents as very strong, while reporters from neighbouring Belgium made overtures for the combative coach to take over their national team after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Belgium's exit on Thursday.