Updated

The Netherlands players did what many visitors do when they first arrive in Rio — hit the beach. Then, it was down to business as the 2010 World Cup runners-up began preparations for a campaign to finally win the trophy their country craves.

After arriving in Rio on a red-eye flight early Friday, Louis van Gaal's 23-man squad went to its hotel on the swanky Ipanema beach and almost immediately crossed the busy street to freshen up with a walk in the sand.

Later in the afternoon, Van Gaal said he was impressed with how quickly his players were adjusting to the World Cup "while we're trying to keep them awake as long as possible so we can get into the rhythm of Brazil."