Netherlands Morocco World Cup Koeman Danger Round 16

Despite securing qualification at the top of their group, the Dutch approach the rest of the competition with caution. Against Tunisia, victory came in just seven minutes, first through an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri triggered by a pass from Real Madrid’s new player Dumfries — a play that adds to a record of twelve own goals already recorded halfway through this World Cup — then by a Brobbey goal. The team nevertheless eased off afterwards until finding themselves at 2-1 before sealing the match. "We easily relaxed in the match and that can be a problem against stronger opponents," Ronald Koeman criticized.

On Bladi.net : Netherlands Morocco Koeman Round of 16 Showdown

The next opponent promises to be particularly tough. Semi-finalists of the previous edition in Qatar after eliminating Luis Enrique’s Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, the Moroccans now display a completely renewed face. The majority of the squad as well as the football philosophy have been transformed, driven by one of the sensations of the competition: 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The level of this selection, which drew with Brazil in the group stage, justifies the concerns before this Round of 16 clash.

On Bladi.net : Netherlands Morocco World Cup Koeman tactical battle Hakimi

For the Netherlands, finishing in first place ultimately offers no reward given the difficulty of the draw. According to information reported by Agencia EFE, De Jong warns that their future opponents "play very well, are very united and have been together for a long time." The Dutch coach shares this analysis and believes he is facing his true test. "I’m not sure we are favorites. These are two great teams, I don’t see one better than the other," the coach concluded.