U.S. and the Netherlands both shared potentially pivotal news on the eve of their Saturday last 16 World Cup match.
Several members of the Netherlands team are battling flu symptoms, manager Louis Van Gaal told NOS on Friday.
"I gave them a day of rest," Van Gaal added. "With this group, they communicate that to me. I listen to my players."
Van Gaal seemed confident that his team will be able to take the field, as there are less than 15 players he expects to see sidelined.
All 26 players had a light practice on Friday, skipping the traditional 11-on-11 scrimmage the starters would usually play with the team.
When asked about which players are experiencing symptoms, he told NOS: "We are not going to elaborate on that. But if it goes around in the group, it is worrying."
Meanwhile, The USMNT announced Friday that star Christian Pulisic is now officially available to play Saturday after suffering a "pelvic contusion" while scoring the goal that clinched the U.S. a place in the knockout rounds.
Van Gaal is not underestimating the upcoming challenge.
"The USA has an excellent team. I would say one of the best teams, fine-tuned. It's going to be a very tough match," he said. "But it's nothing we can't overcome. We also have a good team, that's my view. We'll have to wait and see in this match which of the two squads is the best.
How cold is the air conditioning in Qatar?
Van Gaal's Friday news was not the first mention of flu-like symptoms during the World Cup. Brazil's players mentioned them after the team's win over Switzerland, with star winger Antony blaming the air-conditioning at the team base in Qatar for Neymar and some of his other teammates feeling ill. Spain and the U.S. have also reportedly experienced symptoms and cited the "omnipresent" air conditioning.
Netherlands midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Marten de Roon alluded to some symptoms earlier in the week. De Roon said he had a cold after reporters noticed his eyes watering, while De Jong said that a scratchy throat made it difficult to communicate during their Group A victory over Qatar.
With the cooling reported to be exceptionally effective, chilling stadiums and the rooms by as much as 20 degrees compared to the average 80 degree Qatar temps, it’s understandable that symptoms are continuing to circulate.