World Cup 2022: Netherlands Struck by Flu Outbreak Before Round of 16 Match Against USA

• A flu outbreak has affected the Netherlands team before of their World Cup match against the United States on Saturday
• Among those with colds and sore throats are Dutch midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Marten de Roon who might not feature against the USA
• The Netherlands will be hoping all players are fully fit for the Round-of-16 clash as they push to qualify for the quarter-finals

Netherland’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup have had a massive setback following the outbreak of flu in the Dutch camp.

Dutch manager, Louis Van Gaal has described the situation as worrying as he prepares for their crunch Round-of-16 clash against the United States on Saturday, December 3.

According to 90MIN, Frankie de Jong and Marten de Roon are two players suspected to have been hit by the flu with several others also thought to be exhibiting symptoms.

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In order to perhaps prevent the spread of any disease, the Netherlands team did not have their usual training on Friday.

Van Gaal revealed he had given his players the day off so as to fully prepare for the encounter against the USA with a quarterfinal ticket at stake.

Louis van Gaal refuses to rule out taking vacant Belgium job

Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal did not do much to dissuade rumors that he might leave the Netherlands for Belgium after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, The Guardian reports.

The Dutch manager declined to rule out taking the post vacated by Roberto Martínez after Belgium’s shock group-stage departure.

Van Gaal also acknowledged the rumours linking him to the position as he revealed he has thought about it, conforming that Belgium is a fantastic nation with incredibly kind people.

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Van Gaal eyes emotional World Cup run

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Louis van Gaal has his sights set on an emotional World Cup run as the outspoken Netherlands coach prepares for Saturday's last 16 clash with the United States.

If Van Gaal's side make it to the latter stages of the World Cup in Qatar it would provide one of the most poignant stories of the tournament.

The 71-year-old came out of retirement to coach the Netherlands last year despite his harrowing battle with aggressive prostate cancer.