Louis van Gaal’s quest to add a glorious epitaph to his managerial career got off to a winning start thanks to two late strikes.
The highly-decorated veteran was gushing in praise of the Oranje ahead of their tournament opener suggesting they could go all the way in what is likely to be the 71-year-old’s final managerial posting.
But this eagerly-awaited dust-up was a limp affair as two countries - unable to start their brightest attacking talent - decided upon a cautionary approach. It looked for all the world as if this would end in a goalless stalemate as chances were at a premium - particularly during a drab second period.
