July 2 – Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman (pictured) has told his players to use the criticism they have been receiving for their performances at Euro 2024 as fuel, with the Dutchmen looking to respond from a lacklustre group stage with a Round of 16 win over Romania tonight.
Koeman’s side qualified for the Round of 16 clash following a sobering 3-2 defeat to Austria in Berlin, which left them third place in Group D.
Despite this, many believe the result has landed the Dutchmen on the more favourable side of the bracket, as they look to take on 47th-ranked Romania in Munich to progress through to the quarter finals.
The Romanians will not roll over easily, and Koeman’s Netherlands have plenty of improvements to make from the showing versus Austria, where they were clearly second best.
“It was a long week, I would have preferred it to be a bit shorter,” said Koeman. “On the other hand, we had a lot of time to look back at the last match.
“We were able to analyse where things went wrong, where we were not good, where there was too little energy. We did that, the players and the staff were open about it.
“Everyone showed how things could and should be different, but you can only see the confirmation on the field on Tuesday.
“We have played worse than against Austria. We want to show beautiful football, but that doesn’t always work. Then you take the criticism to heart and hope to be able to turn it around.”
In contrast to Holland, Romania had a stellar group stage, finishing top ahead of Belgium and Slovakia. Their manager, Edward Iordanescu, acknowledges that the Dutch are favourites for the game but believes his team could pull off a surprise.
“Don’t be fooled by how the Netherlands played against Austria,” he said. “They have incredible players but we have our own strengths.”
“Reaching the quarter-finals would be fabulous. It’s hard to put into words.
“It’s important that we’re strong, disciplined, organised and decisive, then there could be things that go in our favour.”
“Everything we’ve built so far we’ve done with realism. We’ve consolidated a good group both at a human level and an athletic level and we have a country behind us. We need the fans tomorrow for this very difficult game.”
Both coaches have kept their selections under wraps, but changes seem likely for each side. Koeman admitted he has yet to find the right balance in his midfield, while Iordanescu needs to find a replacement for the suspended left-back Nicusor Bancu.
“The Netherlands have always produced good football, they started trends, and I am not the only one inspired by their football,” Iordanescu said. “They have a coach who is already at a very high level after being an incredible footballer. He knows Dutch football very well and I am sure we will confront all these elements tomorrow.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731569130labto1731569130ofdlr1731569130owedi1731569130sni@g1731569130niwe.1731569130yrrah1731569130