Koeman argued that the defensive approach employed by his side was not born out of any fear of their opponents, Morocco.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has defended his side’s defensive approach after Morocco came from behind to beat the European team via a penalty shootout and advance to the last 16 stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The North Africans dominated the encounter played in Monterrey, but were thwarted by inspired goalkeeping from Bart Verbruggen and the woodwork.
It was, however, the Netherlands who took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who smashed home after a lightning-fast break.
But in a grandstand finish, Issa Diop thumped home a stoppage-time header, sending the game to extra time and, ultimately, penalties.
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The Dutch eventually missed three of their spot-kicks, which allowed Ismail Saibari to seal a 3-2 win for Morocco.
Speaking after the loss, Koeman argued his defensive approach against Mohamed Ouahbi’s side was not out of any fear of their opponents, but rather to give them a better chance of winning the game.
He said: “With this defensive approach, we gave away much less than we did during the [group] matches.”
Koeman added: “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.”
The Dutch tactician, however, went on to say he would decide on his future with the side after reflecting on the team’s elimination.
