Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Ronald Koeman defended his tactics in Netherlands’ defeat to Morocco, claiming he “would have done the same thing” if the match was replayed.
Netherlands lost 3-2 on penalties after the round of 32 tie finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missing their penalties.
The Oranje have missed three times in a penalty shootout for the second time ever in a competitive match, after previously doing so against Italy at EURO 2000.
Koeman selected a back five for the first time since March 2024 (a 2-1 defeat against Germany), playing their 31 matches in between with four defenders.
Netherlands had just 29.9% possession throughout the 120 minutes, registering only six shots worth 0.24 expected goals (xG) to Morocco’s 1.36 from 11 attempts.
Koeman stood by his tactics, claiming it was what “the whole of the Netherlands” wanted.
“It is perfectly fine for everyone to have their own opinion. But if I had to do it over, I would have done the same thing,” said Koeman.
“We discussed with everyone after every match that I felt we were giving away too much. You do that line by line and with the whole group.
3 – The Netherlands have missed three times in a penalty shootout for the second time ever in a competitive match, after previously doing so against Italy at EURO 2000.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 30, 2026
“Given the quality of your opponent, you are asking for big trouble. And even with five men down, the goal against Morocco was scored; with four, there would have been many more moments like that.
“If you agree with something beforehand, you can’t say afterwards that it didn’t work out. The whole of the Netherlands was asking for five defenders. Again, I don’t care.”
Netherlands’ early exit from the World Cup has now increased the pressure on Koeman, who said he will take his time when deciding his future in the role.
“If it stays 1-0, I will receive compliments from all of the Netherlands,” added the Dutch coach.
“If I had to do it over, I would do the same thing again. We did show too little, though. That is true.
“I have not offered my resignation yet. I am going to calmly think about my future. I am going to get things in order. Maybe I will have made up my mind by tomorrow afternoon. I haven’t thought about that yet.”
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