Ronald Koeman defends defensive approach after Netherlands exit World Cup

MONTERREY – Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman insisted his team went with a more defensive approach against Morocco to give them a better chance of winning rather than out of any fear of their opponents, after they were eliminated from the World Cup on June 29.

The Dutchman made no apologies for fielding five defenders, even if he expects a torrent of criticism in the wake of their 3-2 shoot-out defeat following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Koeman, who has previously had to deal with disapproval after diverting from the traditional Dutch school of attacking football, felt playing with five at the back was the right strategy to overcome the North Africans.

“With this defensive approach, we gave away much less than we did during the (group) matches,” said the 63-year-old coach, who added he would decide on his future after reflecting on the team’s elimination.

“That was positive, but also we were less offensive.

“You can think of the tactics whatever you like, but we gave away much less against a team much stronger than Sweden and Tunisia. And if I had to do it again, I would do it the same way again.”

He added: “I also know that if Morocco hadn’t equalised with that late goal, there would be all sorts of compliments for me as the Dutch coach, but now, probably, I’m going to be scolded for the fact that I chose five defenders. But once again, I believe it was necessary.”

He also said he had discussed the approach with his players and they had agreed.

“You will criticise me and that’s your right, but you watch football from the sidelines,” he said.

“I’m with the team. I knew what needed to be improved. This is how I improved it. And once again, if I had to do it again, I would have done exactly the same.

“It was not about being afraid. Why afraid? I mean, we had three strikers on the field.

“This is about a better defensive position, not out of fear, but based on an analysis of the opposition... You have your opinion, with all due respect, that’s fine. But I have a different view.”

The Dutch had taken the lead midway through the second half with a goal from Cody Gakpo, before Issa Diop scored a dramatic equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville, before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot kick.

With the win, Morocco advanced to a last-16 meeting with Canada in Houston on July 4.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his team are primed to make a deep run at the World Cup, declaring that the Atlas Lions could be “unstoppable” if they play to their potential.

He said that Moroccan football is now reaping the benefits of the 2022 team’s groundbreaking exploits in becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

“The World Cup in Qatar changed the mentality of the Morocco team and I’m well placed to speak about this,” said Ouabhi, who coached Morocco to victory at the Under-20 World Cup in 2025.

“Moroccan players in Morocco believe in themselves. The supporters, the fans believe in us as well. It’s so important.

“They’re demanding, but it’s because they know just how far we can go.

“What we need to be telling ourselves is no one can stop us. We’re unstoppable if we play the football that we know how to play.”

Looking ahead, he said there would be no question of complacency against Canada.

“We know that it’s game after game, and people think that it’s easy for us, it’s going to be a walk in the park for Morocco, which is not the case. Canada is a team that is going to be difficult for us,” he added.

“If we get things wrong, we’ll go home, and we need to ensure that we have all the tools that we’re using, the tools in our arsenal to go as far as we can, and that’s the mentality that we want all of our players in Morocco to have.” REUTERS, AFP