Cruyff: Netherlands must play like Germany

Johan Cruyff has called on Netherlands to emulate Germany and start playing more attractive football.

Louis van Gaal’s team qualified for the knockout stages of the competition after they thrashed World champions Spain 5-1 before earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Australia.

Cruyff praised the side for their impressive results at the tournament so far but the Netherlands legend has insisted that they need to emulate Joachim Low’s Germany side by playing more attractively.

"When we analyse the two matches of the Oranje, we see two things: one is that we've qualified for the next round and that's a success,” Cruyff wrote in his column for De Telegraaf.

“But, the other thing is that the football isn't that good. That's why I am really looking forward to Netherlands-Chile.

"I liked the way that Germany kept playing in their own style – even during the moments when things weren't going well against Ghana. That's the way Netherlands should be playing as well. The results are good, now we have to start playing good football."

Van Gaal’s side will attempt to top Group B when they take on Chile - who have also qualified for the next stage of the tournament - in Sao Paulo on Monday.

Should they win the clash, the Dutch will advance as winners of the group but a draw would also suit the Oranje as Van Gaal's men boast a slightly better goal difference than the South Americans.