Netherlands v Mexico: Louis van Gaal wary of the heat in Fortaleza
Dutch coach demands drinks breaks as his team take on El Tri in steamy northern city
Louis van Gaal is preparing his Netherlands squad to face two significant challenges in its World Cup last 16 in Fortaleza: Mexico and the weather.
The Dutch coach said he hopes Fifa will use drink breaks during the match so that players can replenish fluids in Fortaleza’s hot and humid Arena Castelao.
Tests the Dutch have conducted during training in Brazil and pre-tournament friendlies show that some players lose up to four litres of fluid during a match.
“Can you imagine that?” Van Gaal said Saturday. “That has to be replenished because otherwise you start hallucinating.”
If Fifa does not have scheduled drinks breaks during the match, Van Gaal said he will take action to ensure his players do not dehydrate.
“Drinks will be along the sidelines if Fifa doesn’t take care of it,” he said.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera said he hoped the heat would help his team.