CORNERFLICK
Ronald Koeman defended his approach after the Netherlands lost 3-2 on penalties to Morocco in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 in Monterrey, Guadalajara.
The match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes, and Koeman said the dressing room was “dramatic” after the defeat. He said his players gave everything but also admitted there were moments when the team could have done better.
Koeman said the Netherlands started the shootout well, but Morocco’s second penalty, once converted, shifted the psychology of the contest. The Dutch missed three of their five spot-kicks.
He also rejected the criticism aimed at him, saying he chose the system and line-up after speaking with the players, and that he would make the same decision again if the match were replayed. Koeman added that the side had to drop deep at times, but defended that as a normal response against a strong opponent.
His contract with the Dutch FA expires at the end of July. Asked whether this was his last game in charge, Koeman said he had thoughts on the matter but that it was not the right time to discuss them.