Louis van Gaal has conceded that his Netherlands side are ‘not a fantastic team, but we are difficult to beat’.
The Dutch take on Costa Rica in Salvador on Saturday evening, with the winners set for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
But the tactician has insisted that he’s not surprised that his men have got this far.
“The Dutch media didn't even expect us to get this far," he told reporters.
“Everything we are achieving here should be fantastic for the Dutch media. But that's not the issue.
“Our goal has always been to become world champions. We have always said that we are a team that is difficult to beat.
“We're not a fantastic team but we are difficult to beat. We've shown that so far and I hope that we can continue that all the way to the final.
“Perhaps I am underestimating my team but we have always said that the best or most fantastic team is not going to win. The best 23 players will be champions.
“And, in this squad, we all have one goal. We're all supporting and complementing one another. That is what the Dutch team is – 23 players.
“We have achieved outstanding results. And that will remain the case even if we lose this quarter-final. But this Dutch team will fight until the very last minute to try to be world champions.”
