Louis van Gaal: USA greater than the sum of their parts

Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal insists he has not been surprised by last-16 opponents USA's progress at the World Cup.

Van Gaal, whose side take on the USA in the first round-of-16 match on Saturday after topping Group A, believes Gregg Berhalter’s side are one of the best-drilled teams at Qatar 2022.

He said: "It’s a process and perhaps the USA hadn’t expected that from this squad, but if you watch them play, it’s crystal clear they’ve had opportunities. I don’t think it’s a surprise to be quite frank.

"The USA has an excellent team. I would say one of the best teams, fine-tuned. It’s going to be a very tough match.

"But it’s nothing we can’t overcome. We also have a good team, that’s my view. We’ll have to wait and see in this match which of the two squads is the best.

"I’m not going to downplay the USA. On the contrary, they’re an example of what a good team is supposed to be.

"There are also teams who have progressed who are not a good team, but who have excellent individual qualities."

Van Gaal laughed off suggestions he might be interested in the Belgium job after the tournament following Roberto Martinez’s announcement he would not be renewing his contract.

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The 71-year-old Dutchman, who has been heavily criticised in the Dutch media for his team’s perceived boring style, added: "We’re here to work with the Dutch team.

"We want to become world champions, so we’ve got another four matches ahead of us and then we’ll see if there are any offers on the table.

"If we become