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Van Gaal: “The trophy was our dream but I’m proud of the team”

 “Winning the trophy was our dream but I’m proud of the players” said Louis van Gaal after his Holland side ended 2014 World Cup Brazil in third place after beating the tournament hosts 3-0 in Brasilia. The game: “It came too soon for us. We only had three days to recover and get our energies back after contesting the semi-final. We wanted to be world champions and we were a little sad but we mustered the strength to battle for third place. It was fantastic to win this game and also score 15 goals in seven matches. I’m very proud of the players and my coaching staff”. Host nation: “I’ve have been in Brazil before – in 1996 and during the Confederations Cup and I have always thought that the people of Brazil are extremely friendly and welcoming. I would like to thank them for the way they have treated my players. FIFA have organized a great World Cup”. Happy end: “Winning the trophy was our dream but I’m satisfied with how we progressed during the tournament and I’m happy that my last game ended in this way. I’m proud of all of my players and that’s why I decided to change the goalkeepers towards the end so that every member of the squad got the chance to take part in this World Cup”. Consolation match: “I still maintain that these games are not necessary and shouldn’t be played. You can’t play a game like this three days after a semi-final”.