Following a last minute loss to the Czech Republic, an irate Hiddink defended the controversial 3-5-2 system he adopted from Louis Van Gaal.
- By Spencer Steevensz
- Follow Spencer on Twitter
It has been a rough start for Guus Hiddink since taking over for Van Gaal – with two losses from two games. Originally, Hiddink planned to revert back to the classic Dutch 4-3-3 formation; however, after being put on the back heels from the very beginning of last week’s friendly against Italy, he opted for the 5-3-2 in yesterday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against the Czech Republic.
In the first 40 minutes of the game Holland looked better than they did against Italy, but failed to create many chances. Instead, they passed amongst themselves without taking risks to get the ball near the opponent’s goal. After Dockal hit a screamer outside the box to put the Czech Republic up 1, Hiddink made a first half substitution — taking out Joel Veltman and bringing in Luciano Narsingh. Clearly showing he wanted his team to attack more.
The second half brought more exciting football, with PSV’s Depay and Narsingh playing well on the wings, the Dutch had more chances than the first half; however, still remained content to pass around the midfield. All looked to go well when De Vrij scored the equalizer off of Blind’s cross. Cech had his work cut out for him stopping Depay twice with valiant saves.
In the end, the Dutch sealed their own fate, when Janmaat botched a backwards head pass to Cillisen, and Pilar was able to tap it in and give the Czech Republic 3 points in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
Too angry to talk to the press, Hiddink was 30 minutes late to his post match interview, and still found it hard to keep his composure. Hiddink said, “you should never lose a match in the final seconds… it is hard to talk about tactics when your defenders make such mistakes.” Adding, “We gave it away so stupidly, I get extremely angry again talking about it.”
The Netherlands continue their Euro 2016 campaign against Kazakhstan on October 10. They currently sit second to last in group A, trailing Latvia by 1 point and above Turkey by goal differential.
Follow
I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
A terrible mistake by Janmaat but there was no midfield play. Why have Wijnaldum if he can’t do anything. Sneijder gave away the ball countless times. Would have been happy with a 1-1 draw based on their play but to lose like that is just sloppy ,a player not making the smart play. If it didn’t hit the post it would have went in anyways. Feel bad for Janmaat anyone can make a mistake but the D makes countless uncontested errors. Veltman’s give away led to the 1st goal and Vlaar against Australia made a horrendous pass that thankfully did not end up in the net. My thinking is the D has to play the ball far too much. Their job should be focusing on positioning not on always having to move the ball. Its almost like the backs and Cillesen are the only players keeping the ball and that is putting way to much pressure on the backs to move the ball and also defend. No wonder they have issues with counter attacking teams. Their midfielders are way too LAZY and create ZERO space. Its like the only one with confidence is Sneijder but he for some reason can thread the ball like a needle and other games(yesterday) looks like he has no clue. One game but the Czech have 3 pts so we have to win the home tie and not drop points to the other nations.
A last minute mistake can happen to any players. But truthfully that was not the defeat cause. Overall we did not play well and that is a fact. We still was in the post defeat blues against italy. We relied on Robben too much in the WC until we don’t know how to attack. The next two euro qualifying match against team that we all know we should win should be a benchmark for Guus hiddink future .