Brazil limped on against a very strong Japan with 2 – 1 goals at the end of extra time, Germany with boring Julian Nagelsmann as national team manager lost on penalties against Paraguay and now in the morning European time, the Netherlands went on the same bang as Germany.
Two former proud football nations pack their bags and get on the plane home. – My suggestion is that both national teams book a cabin on a tanker in the direction of Europe so that they have time to think about whether football is really their thing.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put the blame for the Netherlands’ World Cup exit on one man – national team manager Ronald Koeman.
Morocco sent the Netherlands out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night after penalty shootout drama in Monterrey. Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop equalized in injury time, and the game went to a penalty shootout. There, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville misused their attempts, before Ismael Saibari sent Morocco through to the last eight – where they will face Canada.
Zlatan: “This loss is Koeman’s fault”
Shortly after the final whistle, Ibrahimovic did not hold back. The former PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United star was honest in his analysis live on FOX Sports.
“I think this loss is Koeman’s fault, because I didn’t recognize this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch one. It makes me angry. Losing with one’s identity… that’s who you are,” Zlatan said according to ESPN.
Koeman, who himself played 78 caps for the Netherlands between 1983 and 1994, has been in charge since 2023 – but his position is now under serious threat after poor performances against Morocco.
Fans rage – Koeman changed winning concept
Several Dutch supporters share Zlatan’s view. The popular football account The Touchline on X wrote:
Koeman defends himself: “No regrets”
Koeman defended his tactics after the penalty shootout. He told NOS according to Tribuna:
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was dramatic. When Soufiane Rahimi’s punishment goes under Verbruggen, it is because it was not meant for us.
“I chose to play like that because we gave too much room in the group stage. We had to mark better. Morocco is an excellent team of stars. I decided this after a meeting with the group – and I don’t regret it for a second.
“I tried to adjust the team based on who could take penalties. I lost De Jong, I lost Gakpo… So I tried to put in skilled people. It didn’t work out – what can you do?
Frenkie de Jong was replaced by Marten de Roon in the 110th minute, and Kluivert came on for Gakpo soon after. Now an uncertain future awaits Koeman – and a showdown with the critics.
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