Ronald Koeman’s second era in charge of the Netherlands began with a tough 4-0 loss in France.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
For the first Euro 2024 qualifier, the Netherlands were without a number of key players, meaning Lutsharel Geertruida, Kenneth Taylor, and Xavi Simons all made their first starts.
The start of the match was a disaster for Oranje with Antoine Griezmann firing France ahead before the clock hit two minutes. Shortly afterwards, Jasper Cillessen fumbled a free-kick and Dayot Upamecano bundled the ball in for the second.
Georginio Wijnaldum missed a good chance to pull one back before Kylian Mbappe got in behind the Netherlands defence to make it 3-0 in the 21st minute.
Memphis Depay fired wide from a Simons cross before Koeman acted by taking off Taylor for Wout Weghorst. The change helped stop the goals from streaming but Cillessen did have to make an excellent save to prevent a fourth before the break.
In the second half, France remained in total control and only some last ditch defending and Cillessen prevented the fourth goal until Mbappe netted with two minutes left.
Netherlands barely threatened apart from two Memphis free-kicks, but in the 90th minute they were awarded a penalty for a handball. To sum up a horrible night, Memphis saw his spot-kick saved by Mike Maignan.
Netherlands get off to a bad start and need to bounce back against Gibraltar in De Kuip on Monday.
I had a felling it would be a loss but did not thinking of 4. Apparently Koeman is not good choice, way below van gaal. This also can be proved from the squad he chosen. More and more disaster to come.
How did they manage to make it to the world cup quarter-finals?! they’re so bad…
I hope this game serves as a wake up call to Koeman, but I’m not optimistic. I was worried about his re-appointment, his roster selection, team selection and tactics now have me really worried about missing out on the Euro’s.
I’m an Ajax fan but Taylor, Klaassen and Berghuis have no business being on the national team. De Roon and Blind as well. To exclude Frimpong because you think he’s more of a right wing then right back is just ridiculous. Even if he is a winger, he’s the best right wing the Dutch have right now.
Like I said, I really hope this shakes Koeman up, otherwise we may be in for a long and heartbreaking qualifying process.
Agreed for all above… koeman should ditch cillesen blind de roon wijnaldum klassen berghuis depay….. best line up for now are scherpen gertruida timber van dijk ake taylor wieffer gravenberch malen weghorst simon…