Ronald Koeman defended his tactical approach after Morocco knocked the Netherlands out of the World Cup on penalties on Monday, insisting he chose a back five to improve his side’s chances rather than out of fear of the opposition.
The Dutch lost 3-2 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw stretched through extra time. Morocco forced penalties with a late equaliser before ending Netherlands’ campaign and setting up a last-16 meeting with Canada.
Koeman changed his shape for the knockout tie and moved away from a more open system. He felt his side needed extra protection against a Morocco team that carried more attacking threat than previous opponents.
“With this defensive approach, we gave away much less than we did during the group matches,” Koeman said.
“That was positive, but also we were less offensive.”
The Netherlands had faced criticism during the group stage for leaving spaces at the back. Koeman believed his changes solved part of that problem, even if they reduced his side’s attacking flow.
“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.”
The Dutch looked on course for victory after Cody Gakpo put them ahead in the second half, but Morocco hit back in stoppage time and dragged the match into extra time before winning from the spot.
Koeman also pushed back when reporters suggested his team had shown too much caution.
“It was not about being afraid. That’s not what it was about at all. Why afraid? I mean, we had three strikers on the field.”
The Dutch coach now faces questions over his future and over another tactical shift that failed to deliver the result he wanted.
