The 62-year-old is set to depart his position following this year’s FIFA World Cup, but was present on Sunday as the 1988 European champions were drawn in Group A alongside Czech Republic, Turkey, Latvia, Iceland and Kazakhstan.
Asked whether he thought it was strange that he was in Nice for the draw, Van Gaal said: "Yes, that's what I've said as well.
"I told them well in advance that I was going to quit (after the 2014 World Cup), so I was hoping that before the next friendly international it would've been figured out, but unfortunately that's not the case."
"History has taught us that most of the time we have beaten these opponents," he added. "The Oranje should be able to qualify for the final tournament automatically."
"Netherlands are the favourites in our group - they can win any competition they play in," he remarked. "We will do our best to make our fans happy by making it to the finals."
Recently appointed Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba added: "Some other groups may look relatively easier, but when I took charge of the national team I said that there is no aim other than to qualify."
