Louis van Gaal has insisted that supporters of the Netherlands will be "proud" of their progress through to the last 16 of the World Cup, rather than 'bored' with the style of football.

Knowing that three points against Qatar would lead to a place in the knockout stages, Oranje breezed to a 2-0 victory over the tournament hosts at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Cody Gakpo netted the opener, scoring for the third successive game at this tournament, before Frenkie de Jong prodded home from close range early in the second half.

However, Netherlands have recorded just eight shots on target during their three Group A fixtures, their lowest return since records began in 1966.

With the three-time runners-up under-performing against Senegal and Ecuador, criticism has come the way of Van Gaal and his players.

Nevertheless, in an exchange with a journalist at the post-match press conference, Van Gaal defended Netherlands' showings at the tournament in the Middle East.

The Dutchman said: "Why don't you write you think it is terribly boring and you are going home tomorrow because you couldn't care less?"

"That's your opinion but I don't think your opinion is the correct opinion. I think everyone would be rather proud we are progressing to the next round. I think things are not as bad as you say they are."

Netherlands will now square off against the USA with that tie taking place at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

The Stars and Stripes earned their spot in the second round by edging out Iran by a 1-0 scoreline on Tuesday night, Christian Pulisic scoring the only goal of the game late in the first half.