A lot of Dutch football fans will be torn. A lot of Dutch Moroccans as well. Morocco is a popular footballing nation in the Netherlands, despite some of the anti Moroccan youth noises. Lots of Moroccan players were developed in the Netherlands, in the past decades. Some decided to play for Oranje, some decided to play for Morocco.
There will always be a national debate in Holland about this topic. Some claim the players who were developed in the Netherlands should pick the Dutch NT , while others believe we should allow these players the freedom of choice.
I am of the latter category. Just to tickle your memory, players like Afellay, Boulahrouz, El Ghazi, Otman Bakkal and Dries Boussata all picked Oranje. Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Nous Mazraoui and El Ahmadi decided to go with the ancestral nation.
Recently, the Atlas Lions have become true contenders (remember last WC in Qatar) and are currently sitting in the top 10 of the FIFA ranking.
Along with Oranje. Which means, this is the only clash between top 10 teams this early in the WC. Where Argentina seemingly has the easy route, the Dutch (and Morocco) are in the same leg as France, Brazil and Spain. Ah well….
This match could and should have been a quarter or semi, or…. But alas. It’s what it is. Holland will go home. Or Morocco will go home.
No more Summerville. Or no more Saibari. Take your pick.
So what to expect? I think Morocco is a huge opponent for us to play. We haven’t beaten a top team since Koeman returned from his exploits elsewhere so lets see what we can expect.
Transition from Defence to Attack
No nation has been more direct than Morocco. This is defined as an attack started on their own half and and 50% of the moves need to be vertical towards the opponents goal and the move needs to end with a shot on goal or a touch in the opposing box.
Morocco does this often and quick. The technically skilled players simply know when to accelerate. Their preferred option is to play short passes galore and then an acceleration through a longer deep ball into space.
Ismael Saibari, the Belgian PSV midfielder – on his way to Bayern – makes ample runs in behind, El Kaabi did it often versus Haiti and Hakimi, well, he does it all the time. Marathon man Hakimi, playing right back, can be considered Morocco’s most dangerous attacker!
Oranje will have to be vigilant on our left side of the pitch where both Diaz and Hakimi like to create havoc. Van de Ven and Gakpo need some good communication, as you don’t want Gakpo to become a full back. Will Koeman switch the system, to strengthen that left side? We will need Mickey’s speed, but we might also need more grit and football intelligence there….
Attacking
Morocco is able to mix up the counter attacking style with possession based football. The semi finalist of 2022 is inspired by Enrique’s PSG tactics, building up from a firm structure, but with multiple positioning changes.
They love to play in a 3-2-5 shape and the 5 on top love to mix and match their roles. They love finding space between the lines and their individual skills result in surprisingly low loss-of-possession stats.
Morocco has talented central midfielders but they prefer to find space on the flanks for their build up. It’s safer for them and they still get the results. so why not? Saibari and Ounahi do this on the left flank a lot, while Hakimi and Diaz change position often on the right. Man marking will simply not work. Their drifting about will eventually mean one of them gets into space and you’re done.
Building up, Morocco prefers the right flank. Koeman knows why: “Their star man and playmaker is basically their right full back.”
Hakimi is a phenomenon. He creates the most chances this tournament (11) and has the most attempts on goal (10), with Saibari. Koeman’s big headache is: how do we stop Hakimi?
As said, using Gakpo for this job is not smart. The lanky Liverpool winger is not a defender and will at some point lose Hakimi. That is what usually happens when forwards need to track back. This would also incapacitate our left wing in an attacking sense, so not smart.
Koeman will go for a 5 at the back and use Frenkie as additional lock on the door. I expect Reijnders and Gravenberch to sit in front of the five defenders and than we’ll find 3 quick forwards who will have to provide the threat to Morocco’s defence. Probably Gakpo, Brobbey and Summerville.
Frenkie has the skills to sacrifice himself for the team, as his defending, tackling, running and reading of the game is superior. Plus, he has played Hakimi several times at club level and knows him best.
Koeman knows his team needs to defend better than we did versus Sweden: “We need to be positioning well, be compact and be alert without the ball.”
Ancelotti had to fix the Brazilian shape at one of the dehydration commercial breaks, and pushed Casimero in the “Frenkie role” as fifth defender, allowing the backs to cover the flanks.
Transition from Defence to Attack
Their strength moving forward is actually their weakness in reverse, when they need to defend. Hakimi is never playing right back and there will be spaces for Gakpo to explore. Just like in the Sweden game, we can get him one v one if we play it right. In the Brazil game, Vinicius was not tasked with tracking back and he paid it back to his coach by scoring on the counter.
Defending
In comparison to Qtar 2022, Morocco defends high up the pitch now. The current coach decides to push up more aggressive. The 4-1-4-1 has made way for a proper 4-4-2 with the attacking mid next to their striker. Only three teams were able to repossess the ball higher on the pitch than Morocco but they do fold back at times to make the field smaller.
A key role is for Saibari, him again, who can play like a striker, but also think like a midfielder. He is great at blocking passing lines and blocking his opponent in building up. Koeman should not play with a box midfield this time around as these Moroccan players will be capable of blocking the passing lines to Frenkie and Gravenberch.
Brazil showed that a 4-3-3 in possession with a deep 6 and two higher midfielders can work wonders, to explore the space behind their midfield. Another remarkable aspect, Morocco started to look tired after 70 minutes, which opened up the pitch even more.
Morocco’s biggest weakness is their defending on the flanks. In particular, their left flank is vulnerable. Brazil, Scotland and Haiti did not have the players to hurt them there, but we have Dumfries and Summerville (Malen).
Aerially, Holland also has more strength. Their best header of the ball (Aguerd) is not available and only three nations won less headers than Morocco. Dead ball moments can be food and drink for JP van Hecke and Virgil.
Conclusion
Morocco is a dynamic and attractive side with lots of individual qualities. We will need to defend better, if we want to progress. But, on the other hand. Morocco will give away chances and with a good tactical plan, we should be able to pounce via our flanks (Dumfries, Gakpo, Summerville, Reijnders) and via set pieces.
I predict a 3-1 win for the Dutch: Gakpo, Summerville and Reijnders on the score sheet.
And from all of us: best wishes to Cody Gakpo and family in these trying times….
Inspired by: Pieter Zwart, VI Pro
Update from Johan on Gakpo
The football world has rallied around Gakpo after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the devastating loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo. The couple shared the heartbreaking news on social media, asking for privacy as they grieve during this incredibly difficult time.
Gakpo has received messages of support from teammates, clubs and fans across the world. Despite the tragedy, he has decided to remain with the national team. Everyone at Dutch Soccer Site sends their sincere condolences to Cody, Noa and their family.
Gakpo is very religious, always praying together with the team, so the impact can be huge on the team. Maybe it would be good from Koeman to bench Gakpo, put Summerville on the left and Malen on the right. Summerville did very well defending, so he can take up the battle against Hakimi.
Morocco likes to start fast, catching opponent while they still finding their feet. Holland we should circulate the ball and NOT allow them to dictate the rhythm and create organized panic and chaos. Move them around like what they did Vs Japan. But all these are by no means simple to execute, it takes good understanding and spatial distance between the players to manage any transition or counter by Morocco.
I see Morocco similar to Japan, fast, nifty players, though they shade Japan in terms of individual talents in Hakimi and Ibrahim Diaz.
Morocco expansive, open play could actually lead to them being counter, something which we have to transition quickly if any moment presents itself.
Also, the team tires a lot in the second half due to their high octane play, something which Holland can exploit with pacey substitutes.
Koeman and staff will have their work cut out for this matchup. Just very dangerous an opponent which could deliver us the knockout blow in round32. I pray it won’t happen and would want the euphoria and oranje wave to continue to sweep thru the tournament. We can all only pray hard.
Thanks Jan! Really excellent write up, and gives me real confidence going into this game versus Morocco, a game I agree is happening far too early in the tournament. If only we can get Koeman to heed your advice!
And so devastated for Gakpo. Hopefully he will lean into his faith at this tragic time. Having been through something similar myself years ago, you feel so helpless. It may actually be the best thing for him to go forward with the match and feel like he can make a positive impact in that regard on something he can control.
Praying for him and his family!
It’s really sad for him. That’s incredibly difficult news to receive, especially in the middle of a tournament.
For us, he has always been the ultimate professional and someone who consistently stepped up for the team in the biggest tournaments. Like you said, it might actually be better for him to play the match and focus on the game. It gives him something else to concentrate on instead of dwelling on something that’s completely out of his control.
For sure, these are two QF level teams, in terms of preparation, but the competition the Dutch played in their group has them ready to play this match. They were better than Japan, and decisively beat a decent Swedish team, and they are ready for a quality team like Morroco. If they have to play Morroco in one of the first two games. A win over a good team this early gives them alot of momentum, and—if not easy—a clear path to the QF’s.
Superb analysis, Jan. Morocco playing with a back three and the wingbacks pushed up, should allow the Dutch good opportunities to attack from where they have been stronges, , playing it wide and back into Brobbey crashing down the middle. But, we’ll see. If you and VI know this, Morroco will know it. If you have a moment, do you have any thoughts on what Morroco might do to adapt to the what they have seen from Oranje’s play so far?
I hope it is Summerville who starts on the right. He can run at and break down a defense better than Malen, either wide or coming through the middle. Plus, he and Gravenberch have been combining so well on the right side.
If Koeman wants to make a move later in the game to raise pace or attack, I hope he’ll consider Lang. Just the little he played against Tunisia showed how dangerous he can be.
As for Gakpo (sigh), the comments by JB and Kevin have nailed it.
I think Morocco will respect Oranje but not too much. They might play a tad more compact than normal and try to get us on the break. Our weakness: breaking down compact low blocks. Morocco will know this.
The circumstances/weather in Mexico do favour Morocco, I feel.
This is another tricky game for us. With the talent we have, we can put away Morocco. Not easy, but doable. The problem is that as I have said multiple times, I just don’t trust our defense and Koeman’s strategy and lineups. That high defensive line is a liability. Van Dijk can’t be running full speed and bursting his lungs whenever Morocco is on the attack. Our issues are fixable, but we don’t fix them. For Koeman it is live and die by the plan. We need a defensive midfielder to plug the gap in that defense.
We need quick transitions and service to Brobbey to win this game. Reijnders have to keep finding the forward line. Gravenberch has to boss the midfield. Not play in spurts. Hakimi is the true danger man and may need to be double teamed at times. I’m not sure Ake can control him for 90+ mins. Frenkie needs to be more aggressive playing in the 8 or 10 position. Not bringing balls from the back line. I really do not wanna see Malen in the starting line up. I have the most sympathy for Gakpo. I hope he can be effective despite the circumstances. No clumsy tackles. Focus on corners and free kicks. Finish the game in regulation time. No penalties please. I just don’t want to go thru that at all.
As good as they are, Morocco is leaky in the back. They also leave acres of space. They rely on their athleticism to bail them out. We need to exploit that and capitalize on our chances. Score early to settle the nerves of the team and gain confidence. This should have been a quarter or semi final game, but here we are. The players attitudes will and the lineup with tell me a lot. If these guys are playing their hearts out, chasing and wining every 50/50 ball, be physical, and play forward passes and connect, then we progress. But if I see this lackadaisical, side to side slow passing, and casual attitude, then we could be in trouble.
Anyways, all the best tomorrow. We shall see.
Agree Forza! I think we need to be crisp and disciplined in our passing and dictate the tempo at which we want the game played. Morocco has faced Brazil, against whom they played a fairly even match statistically (including in possession, shots and passing accuracy). They scored first and Brazil tied it up about 10 minutes later, and neither team scored in the second half. Against Scotland, they scored at the very outset of the game, kept about 60% possession and pretty much doubled the Scots’ statistical output. Finally, against Haiti, they played a very open back-and-forth match where Haiti took the lead twice, Morocco responded twice and then put it away with two further goals late in the contest. Statistically they were even more dominant against Haiti despite conceding twice. I imagine they will play us more like they did Brazil, where possession is more even and they look to attack quickly when regaining the ball. This may be one of those “Every disadvantage has its advantage” types of matches that JC talked about, where we can use their strength against them and really launch a full onslaught on Hakimi’s side. He’s played every minute of every match so far and we need to punish Morocco every chance we get when he comes forward!
Incidentally, those late teens / early 20s Dortmund teams were unbelievably loaded!
Matchday, a biggy against Morocco as Jan wrote way to early, but maybe the perfect preparation for big things to come.
Today I am cheering against Saibari ( who plays at my team PSV) the guy is lethal. Very dangereous player. Have a look at his Champions League goal against Bayern Munich: https://youtu.be/41iTM27TZcE?si=ItFq0Fr7U9ZF3sR5&t=88
We can beat them, the spirit is good, you have to believe and we all see us growing in the tournament. Everybody was complaining about lack of goals, we made 10 in just 3 games, we destroyed Sweden….
Tonight (my time) it will be a 2-1 victory, HUP HOLLAND HUP
There is something that I would like to point out in the big picture scheme of things. Maybe Jan/Johan can do a deeper article about it. Regardless of the outcome of today’s match, if they can keep this up, Morocco is now transitioning to becoming a contender team. I don’t really see them as that African or Asian side that has a nice run and disappears. They have a large population and players in Europe to draw from, and looks like they have built their national team to be a solid unit. It doesn’t seem that any top Moroccan player is now going to go to the Netherlands or France or Germany or Spain without a strong recruitment fight from the Moroccan federation. Just looking at the current teams, I only see Lamine Yamal and Brahim Diaz for Spain.
I’m not sure if others can replicate this successfully, but if Egypt, Algeria, and other African teams like Senegal, Ghana, Cote d Ivoire, Nigeria etc do this, then there maybe a gradual shift.
Great point, Forza! I’ve been wondering about this as well, particularly in the context of the expanded World Cup field. These tournaments are so broadly viewed and so many players really kick start their careers out of a quality international performance on the world stage. With more teams able to qualify, I wonder if more dual-nationality players will choose to play for their “home” nation and have the opportunity to shine as a superstar rather than feature as just another good player on an existing powerhouse.
And so while its kind of disconcerting to have Groups I, J, K and L, it’s probably good for the game to open the WC to a broader swath of nations, and I’m sure that nations like Congo and Cape Verde have really enjoyed their experience, and even teams that struggled like Curacao and Uzbekistan still were at least able to participate. Plus tossing in a few 5-6 goal games every now and then increases the excitement for a more casual soccer / football audience.
I’m all for the diversity, especially if it results in a return to a greater diversity in playing style and innovation among national teams, rather than everyone just trying to copy each other and play exactly the same way…
Feel free to contribute with your article/ideas, I am in the whatsapp group so you can send me a private message there…
Japan was up 1-0 over Brazil at halftime. Excellent goal from one of their midfielders while dribbling towards goal in the center. They have been electric and full of energy. Brazil leveled with a header and are putting on the pressure. This is an entertaining game so far
Just freed up from work in time to see Martinelli score the game-winner! Our group really got screwed with the knock-out round match opponents — We won the group and have to play Morocco, Japan finished second and played Brazil. Sweden finished third and gets France! Meanwhile the host countries — US, Mexico and Canada get Bosnia, South Africa and Ecuador, respectively….
That is true, JB. I think supporters of Brazil and Morocco are saying the same thing. Funny how the host nations, and Argentina, got the opponents they did. (Although Ecuador won’t be a pushover for Mexico.)
Getting excited about the game tonight—and probably so is my dentist, once the game starts I’ll be grinding my molars for 90-120 minutes (plus).
Brazil came back from a goal down as Japan eventually started to get tired. They couldn’t keep up their 1st half pressing. Morocco may tire themselves in the Monterrey outside heat with 35+C if they keep running like that. We should control the tempo and make them play our game. If we score before the 1st hydration break, I think we have a decent chance. We kinda struggle when we are held scoreless and gamble more and more exposing the back.
Yes, the draw really feels unfair. Not just a tougher draw, but even tougher knockout opponent. Looks nicely setup for Argentina to waltz into the QFs. But if we got 48 team WCs from here on out, that is going to be bound to happen. Certain teams will keep getting that 3rd place finishers that squeak into the next round.
Haha! I grind my teeth as well. One of the recurring challenges we have in WCs is going into matches complacent and overconfident. If we ever needed two helpful reminders of what happens when you do that, see Exhibit A – Brazil vs Japan and Exhibit B – Germany vs Paraguay!
The starting 11 is out
Koeman is playing with 5 at the back
Yes,saw that. This what he said about it (Google translation):
‘That is correct,’ Koeman replied to the NOS when asked if it would be a 5-2-3. ‘We have consistently defended with five.’ He was referring to the dropping Frenkie de Jong, who ended up positioned between the two central defenders. ‘Nevertheless, I didn’t always think that was good. I have more confidence in this, because I have also seen in the recent matches that we give away a lot of space. And we shouldn’t do that.’
With five defenders on paper right from the start, the Netherlands should be more stable. ‘Now we are positioned more compactly with an extra man. Nevertheless, I think we can be very dangerous with three players up front. It is different. We have trained it, it feels good, and it looked good. I don’t see it as a problem.’
In addition, Koeman is optimistic about De Jong, who can now play a bit higher up the pitch. ‘That too, indeed. If we win the ball, he is already in midfield. Otherwise, he would have been at the back. That is also important for pressing, which he is good at. Of course, in the run-up to the tournament, I thought more often about how we are going to play against teams with high full-backs. We did that with Frenkie. But we are going to do it differently now, because I think it needs to be better.’
20 minutes and we look a little disorganized at the back. Ver Bruggen has had to make a couple big saves!
We look aggressive — which is good — but pretty exposed out of possession — which is not.
We’re lucky it is still scoreless. Morocco has been creating the most threating chances so far. And the ref is not showing any cards for dangerous games they are playing
Agree! After so many fouls, the next one needs to be a card!
The 5 at the back is good. But he’s still playing 3 up front and we are getting overrun in midfield. Gakpo I don’t want to criticize him now, but has been ineffective so far. He needs to get involved. We are letting Morocco have too much of the ball. Summerville should go shoot on goal when he’s clear. He tried to pass to Brobbey. It was offside anyways, but that’s what we should attack. Brobbey may be hurt? He took a couple of targeted hits by the Moroccan players. Verbruggen with acrobatic saves to keep it 0-0. We can’t let them dictate the tempo. We need to go body and tackle them. Not let them bring up the ball into our half.
Hopefully, better effort post the hydration break. Very nervous game.
The rough plays and baits toward Brobbey seemed to be on purpose. Hope Brobbey can keep his cool. Hard to criticize Gakpo but he is very inefficient so far.
No link ups from both wings.
Hoping for a better 2H
Hup Holland Hup!
Summerville and Dumfries are still not on the same page. We have no ability to attack in the final third and can only complete passes among the back line and Frenkie. I’m not sure what changes are needed but we are lacking in cutting edge / bite right now!
Van Hecke is going to have two black eyes and a bandaged head after this match. We need to use our height advantage on corners!
Not sure but looks like the Orange army is out represented in the stadium. I see a whole lot of red shirts than orange. The vocal croud support seems all Moroccan. I don’t care how we win this, just get the W and move on
We have nothing on the left and our players on the right can’t combine fluidly. Some change is needed, either to formation or personnel at the half
Agree. Dumfries is running around like he is lost. He’s not helping out on defense. Lots of space to Van Hecke’s right for Morocco. Based on the 1st half, Gakpo and Dumfries are the problem so far. We have handed control of the midfield to Morocco. They are playing with no fear. Ake has been beaten more than once in a one to one race. He needs to come to the center and offer help.
I give credit for playing 5 at the back, but he needs to make some changes here. Maybe take Ake out and bring in Koopmeiners to stabilize the base. Cut those passing lanes in front of goal. I know he isn’t gonna touch Gakpo or Dumfries, so the options are limited.
We look uncertain in our tactics, which is causing hesitation and timing issues, and Morocco is ready to pounce on any misplays. We need to play our game and not overcompensate for the opponent
Van de Ven just saved our tournament,… for the moment. How can Koeman watch this and think what we’re doing is working?!
Because he is a useless, visionless coach.
He surrended to Morrocco before the game had even started.
We cannot put two passes together right now. And he is still watching like a lemon.
I love it! When life hands you lemons, go find an Oranje!
We need Reijnders or someone who can help us get and keep possession and provide some incisive passing.
Just dull lifeless play with no risk taking and no off the ball movement
Brobbey and Ake out. Koopmeiners and Weghorst in. Not what I would have proposed, but at least suggestive of a change in approach / formation!
And of course it works for Koeman!
GOAL!!! GAKPO!!!
Difficult disappointing game, just any which way!!!
Just get the W. That’s all I care about
we have not learn anything from the last world cup? playing like cowards, defending all the time, even against morocco? it’s a miracle if we don’t get eliminated.
Virgil with a huge tackle after Dumfries makes a great run that finishes with a whimper. Needed to put the game away there!
Hato and Timber in. Koeman trying to close up shop. Too soon?
We did not learn from the match vs Japan. Couldn’t let them keep the ball and too much space.
We now need to close down that right channel for Morocco. They’ll be throwing everything to get a goal. Just see this game out. That is what mature teams do. You don’t have to win the aesthetics or the attacking or the ball domination, or the chances created. Play ugly and grind out a win.
I told you all… you can’t win defending all the time, it’s dumb.
In a game in which we’ve barely managed to score one goal, we have brought on only one attacking sub, Weghorst for Brobbey. What are we waiting for?! We’re going to need to score to win!
I kept saying Verbruggen doesn’t come out to grab balls in the air? Why? He’s got good reflexes to stop at the goal line, but you need to command your area in the air with that height and wingspan. That’s how Japan scored on us, that how Tunisia scored on us, and now Morocco. It’s not going too far from his goal but right in front of him. I’m sure opposition teams will study that. He kept us in the game for Morocco’s onslaught, but I don’t understand that part.
we are not going to try and attack not even a little bit? not even the 2nd extra time? jeez. we are playing like if we were against france or argentina and is just morocco… why surrender like this…
Agree 100%. We approached this match like we were playing 1970 Brazil! I’ll never understand why we chose to play the way we did. Just complete abdication of any control of the game, almost from the outset 🤯🤯🤯
Barely one effective attack since half time.
Lang, Kluivert, Depay, Til, Malen even Reijnders…… but still no change.
Is it that Koeman sees nothing wrong, or he does not know what to do?
And surely when we were 1-0 up, that was the logical time to bring on de Roon (despite the fact that I not in a million years have selected him). Instead he puts Koopmeiners as the left sided CB.
Koeman is a coward and a buffoon. Dangerous combination.
De Roon 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😅
Next stop Assistant Coach Nistelroy
Some things just do not change.
@ Orangutan
Jan is going to be mad at you. De Roon is his Idol. Lol
For 4 years, we haven’t been able to beat 1 single good team. I’m so embarrassed as a Dutch fan. At least I’m at peace because unlike many people on this blo, I had very little expectations. And actually no expectations moving forward either. Tomorrow the Dutch federation is going to recycle Frank De Boer. Lol
Literally, the bulk of the time we have possession will be while we’re waiting to take free kicks. This is embarrassing, but I’m not putting blame on the players themselves. This seems to be a conscious strategy on Koeman’s part. Why I’ll never know
Imagine if you are one of the attacking players on the bench…. watching your team struggle in a match that they have barely attacked.
And then you see your coach bring on every defensive player before selecting you to help your team. What message does this send.
I would either think my coach is incompetent, or that he doesn’t trust me.
Agree 100%. Morocco is a good team, but to just hand them the ball and play “prevent defense” the whole game is an absurd strategy. Just a complete debacle!
Never seen things taken to this level. Koeman was really over concerned about Morocco from the start, but shouldn’t be to this extent. They’re vulnerable when they’re under attack. They need to be under pressure themselves. We know how to hold the ball and press opponents.
I did want them to be defensively solid, but it is extremely difficult if all you want to do is defend and play not to lose. If this works out and we win, he will at least say he changed tactics to win a game against a difficult opponent. But if he loses, and we don’t have a great record in penalties, he will be hearing it for the rest of his life.
Maybe our players for once can win a penalty shootout and Verbruggen can be a hero.
From start to finish, the most mismanaged World Cup game I have ever witnessed.
So disappointing when we had such a promising start to this tournament
What caused us to suddenly decide before the match that we couldn’t play football vs Morocco and just had to hold out for penalties?! If this was the way it would’ve been from here on out, I’m glad I don’t have to watch anymore
Look forward to a new start with our young players and a new manager who’s willing to try to play
The way I see it, they simply don’t think that far ahead. The initial setup was wrong, and he was too slow to recognize it. By the time he realized it wasn’t working, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Crysencio Summerville, and Cody Gakpo were already exhausted from chasing the ball for so long.
At that point, it immediately became Plan C: throw Wout Weghorst on and hope for the best.
There’s really not much to decode here. He’s consistently slow to react. And this is predictable by looking at how slow he changed his squad selection. And this is also predictable by looking at how long this KNVB decided to stay with mediocre choices.
Please tell me that Koeman’s sacking takes place today. That will be the only positive to come out his last three years as coach.
If he has sense of shame and responsibility, he should resign. What a disgraceful tactic (or lack thereof) ….. Mind-boggling 🤦♂️
Nope. Useless players with no nerves. We are cursed! Another 4 years my friends
Koeman has to go right here and right now.
I’m so tired of the obsession with hiring Dutch coaches just to “preserve the Total Football identity.” What identity? We haven’t had one for over 12 years.
I understood playing a 5-3-2 at the 2014 World Cup because we simply didn’t have the talent to play our traditional style. But this tournament? Every time we faced a decent opponent, we parked the bus. And we couldn’t even do that properly. There was no organization, no plan, and apparently no preparation for a penalty shootout either. This defeat was deserved. Period.
This is a coach who couldn’t win even with Messi in his team. Tactically, this was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen. He took out Gakpo, Summerville, Frenkie de Jong, Gravenberch, Dumfries, and Brobbey—basically every player who had performed well throughout the tournament. For what? To build the entire game plan around Micky van de Ven, playing out of position, against Hakimi, Morocco’s biggest threat. We essentially designed our tactics so that one of our weakest performers had to win the key battle against their best player. It made no sense.
And just look at the tournament as a whole. Who actually performed? The players who were fully fit and coming off strong club seasons. Did anyone see that coming? Everyone did—except Koeman.
The most frustrating part is that we went out without even trying to play the football we’re actually capable of playing. If this is now the identity of Dutch football, then the identity is mediocrity. It starts with the KNVB, continues with the coaching appointment, and ends with the squad selection. Until that changes, nothing else will.
We should get Koeman’s assistant Van Nistekrooy. You know, keep itin the family.
Can’t even begin to imagine what a Klopp gegen oress will do with thus crop of players.
But we know KNVB will do right by us 😂😂😂
Or they want Heitinga, you know. Those clowns are never short of ideas to surprise us.
Well, Morocco deserved it, for me. They showed intent, hunger and football intelligence. I hope they go all the way. We need to change coaches. Soon. Now.
Crazy substitutions that didn’t make sense. Van Nistelrooy is there. Can’t he step in and say hey, this is not right. Some common sense. Let’s do something? And why was Quentin Timber taking penalties? Van Dijk didn’t want to take one? Dutch teams never take penalties seriously. NEVER!
We may never see this team win a WC in our lifetimes. Waited too long, and now another 4 years.
The team scored 10 goals in group play, yet he decides that he can’t play Morocco straight up? Inexplicable.
When it got to halftime 0-0 (and lucky to be at that score), I thought, Ok, that didn’t work. He’ll bring Reijnders in, go back to 4-3-3. Yet, it just got worse. Hard to stomach watching the game unfold as it did, going more and more defensive, leaving guys like Reijnders and Lang on the bench, letting Morocco have all the play. As Zlatan said after the game, he’s not the coach of Italy, he’s the coach of The Netherlands, and you have to play to your identity.
I don’t mind losing, but that was terrible.
I have followed the Netherlands since 1990, and what makes me sad isn’t just the results. It’s watching the team—and, to some extent, the football culture—lose its identity over time.
Back then, the Dutch were ahead of everyone else. Goalkeepers and center-backs were expected to be comfortable on the ball. Full-backs and wingers constantly interchanged positions. Midfielders covered every blade of grass. Dutch football wasn’t just a style, it influenced the rest of the world.
But football evolved. The internet made ideas spread instantly, and other countries learned, adapted, and improved. Ironically, the Netherlands became trapped by its own history. We became so proud of our past that we stopped evolving.
Look at Spain and Portugal. They were once ridiculed on the international stage, yet they studied others, modernized, and built something greater. We love taking credit for how Cruyff transformed Barcelona and helped shape modern Spanish football, but I see it differently. Spain deserves credit because they were willing to learn from others and reinvent themselves. The Dutch, meanwhile, seemed convinced that everyone else should keep learning from us.
That mentality shows up everywhere.
At club level, whenever a capable foreign coach arrives, the criticism is always the same: “He doesn’t understand Dutch football.” Coaches like Farioli, Roger Schmidt, and Brian Priske were pushed out with little patience or clear reasoning. Clubs behave as if they’re still part of Europe’s elite, clinging to tradition instead of adapting. Then, when reality finally catches up, they panic, abandon their principles completely, hire the wrong foreign coach with no long-term plan, like Maurice Steijn, and when it predictably fails, they point to it as proof that foreign coaches don’t work.
Zlatan recently said Koeman should stay true to the Dutch identity. But what exactly is that identity today?
Look at the national team over the last decade. Frank de Boer, Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman. The appointments are uninspiring choices made in the name of “identity,” or a return to the old generation because the federation struggles to move forward. Meanwhile, the clubs and youth system have also stagnated.
Even many of today’s best Dutch internationals developed outside the traditional Dutch system or reached another level abroad: Verbruggen, Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Summerville, Brobbey, Reijnders, Aké. The national team benefits from players who were shaped by experiences beyond Dutch football, while the domestic game continues to fall behind.
The frustrating part is the disconnect. Both the national team and the clubs are underperforming, yet they still carry themselves as if they’re football royalty. Players are told they must prove themselves for years before getting a chance, as though the Netherlands can afford to ignore emerging talent. But when it matters most—against the top nations—they suddenly abandon their principles, sit deep, play reactive football, and approach games like a small nation.
That’s the biggest tragedy. The Netherlands used to define the future of football. Now its identity is being average. Every decision is to continue this tragedy because no one wants to move forward and take responsibility.
Completely agree Kevin. The Dutch have abandoned innovation, and the continual recycling of have been coaches for the NT is a reflection of this.
We need a coach and a Football Association with some balls to do something different.
There is nothing wrong with losing. No shame in losing to Morocco. And no shame at being knocked out in the 2nd round of a WC.
However, the manner of the defeat is horrific. A betrayal. If you are going to leave a tournament, go down with a fight. Take something of your opponent in the process. Don’t go down cowering in a 3-5-2 formation hiding behind the parked bus.
This was repeat of the semi-finals performance against England in Euro 24. Koeman must be sacked. And many members of the Dutch FA need to walk with him.
You’re right. This is basically a repeat of Euro 2024.
We parked the bus in games where we had the quality to take control, and we lost. Yes, we’ve had some terrible refereeing decisions go against us over the years. But look at the football we play. Look at the coaches we keep hiring. If you’re a neutral, who are you rooting for? Us or Messi? Yesterday, Morocco or the Netherlands? Even the commentators seemed to go from being neutral to hoping Morocco would pull it off.
The saddest part is that the identity is still there. You see it in players like De Jong, Summerville, Gravenberch, and Van Hecke. They’re comfortable on the ball. They want to play. But instead of building around that identity, every decision we make suppresses it.
Which coach should we hire? → Recycle another average Dutch coach.
Which players should we select? → Recycle the same aging or injured players.
Which tactical approach should we take? → Adapt to the opponent instead of imposing ourselves.
Has it ever crossed the minds of those brilliant clowns that we’ve given up our footballing identity just to play dreadful football… and still lose?
Kevin, this is extremely well written and captures many of my feelings too. And I echo Lucas’ good comments as well.
Sadly, modern soccer / football has become so structured that it is extremely challenging even for every great players to overcome a poor manager. Look at what Pochettino and Ancelotti are doing with the US and Brazil , neither of whom are exceptionally strong right now — and I’m not really even fans of either. But those managers have a plan as to how they want to play, and they then adapt to how things are going. Even Morocco’s coach, who I don’t think played professionally at all, was able to outsmart Koeman and enable his team to dominate the game.
Normally, I’m very willing to criticize the players for a poor performance, but it was clear to me as the match last night wore on that we were holding ourselves back deliberately at the manager’s instruction, and even worse, that we were not comfortable or clearly understanding of what his vision was.
Sadly, I really felt like we had the talent to go much further this WC. At this point, I’m just pulling for the USA and all the underdogs.
Yet again an exit at the biggest stage…
We arrived with much optimism given that players are mostly world class and plying their trades at the biggest league in the world, EPL, La Liga etc.
However, at end of the day, we are still to be undone by a mediocre coach in Ronald Koeman. It’s just baffling that with the defenders we have, how can we keep conceding goals. I put it down to coaching. We all know how Liverpool started shipping goals after Heitiga left Liverpool. Never underestimate the impact of a good coach.
We all know Koeman is limited but at sane time we hope the world class players we have will billed him out. But guessed it isn’t the way in the end.
Watching how Holland got knocked out with a whimper is painful. It wasn’t evenly contested which would otherwise soothe the pain of the loss. The setup though looked good on paper just simply concede the advantage to Morocco and limit the strengths of the players I feel. I always feel the players wanted to play on the front foot but somehow they ain’t allowed to.
Anyway, all done and dusted. Holland is NO MORE in the World Cup. We can only hope a better coach comes along to manage what i undoubtedly feel a very good crop (if not world class) players in the team. Someone has to come and unshackle the potential of the players/team! ! !
My take on what Zlatan said about identity is that this NT was a team that comes out and plays football, not one that bunkers in and tries to squeak out a game 1-0 by sitting behind a 5-4-1 and hoping for that one moment. The group games should have told Koeman that this group of players wasn’t going to win anything by sitting back and absorbing pressure.
They won their group, a difficult one, by playing an an attacking game. They abandoned that tonight, and by doing so did more to shut down the offense than what Morocco did And there was no reason to. Morocco is a good attacking team, and they played with passion and skill, and deserve all due credit but, as someone said above, they are not Brazil 1970. The opening Brazil game showed Morocco’s skill in the first half, but by the second half when Brazil made some personnel changes, they controlled the ball, pushed Morocco back, and had the better of the game
When it was apparent to everyone by halftime that his tactics weren’t working, instead of changing—by replacing Ake with Reijnders, going back to 4-3-3, and trying to get at Morocco’s defense—Koeman went even more defensive, and continued to do so as the game went on. He got it completely wrong, and, worse, he showed no faith in his players or the play that had gotten them this far.
Completely agree. I came into this tournament thinking that we didn’t have enough talent on the front line, but was pleasantly surprised at how effective we seemed at scoring in the group stage and how each forward brought something a little different to the mix.
But in the first knockout game we played, we showed no ambition, no attacking creativity, no adventure, no synchronization, no movement, literally nothing. It was a terrible game to watch as a Dutch fan, and so disappointing, given the promise that we showed in the initial stage.
And if we played these tactics against Morocco, can you imagine what how we might’ve played against France or Spain or England, had we faced them later in the tournament?
I’ve always thought that LVG was too rigid and controlling, but at least he had a plan. I was unable to discern any sort of plan from watching last night‘s match other than we were so afraid that Morocco might score that we dedicated all our resources to stopping them with no thought about how we might score ourselves. And in doing so, we failed at both ends of the field.
That’s just not the Dutch soccer that I grew up watching and it’s disappointing that that’s what modern fans will see when they watch our team.
The saddest part though is I love coming to this site during these tournaments and hearing everyone’s views and interpretations and opinions and stories, and that opportunity is cut short so prematurely this World Cup 😕