Louis van Gaal plays down Netherlands World Cup hopes

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has played down the expectations of his side at the 2014 World Cup.

The Dutch booked their place at Brazil on Tuesday following a 2-0 victory over Andorra courtesy of a Robin van Persie brace.

The undefeated Group D leaders have won all their games bar one in World Cup qualification, but van Gaal doesn't see that as a reason to predict a big tournament for Netherlands next year.

"There is now a World Cup and you have to perform well there," Van Gaal told reporters.

"We have a very young team with a few older players, I hope we can get past the first round."

Netherlands host Hungary before travelling to Turkey in their remaining group matches.