Riot police and water cannons were deployed in the Netherlands following the nation's World Cup exit to Morocco, as jubilant celebrations by the Moroccan community turned violent in several cities.
Clashes in The Hague and Other Cities
In The Hague, a large police presence was stationed in the Schilderswijk district ahead of the match. Local authorities reported that officers were 'pelted with fireworks and stones' before riot police charged and a water cannon was deployed. Arrests were made as police described a 'cat-and-mouse game' with fans. One car was reportedly attacked, with someone jumping on the vehicle's roof before the driver sped away.
In Utrecht, police intervened after 'hooded individuals' knocked over safety barriers, creating a 'dangerous situation' for commuters. Amsterdam saw 'chaos,' while Rotterdam's West-Kruiskade neighborhood was evacuated after more than two hours of celebrations. Police made multiple announcements via megaphone before deploying arrest units. Normality was restored by 8:30 a.m. in all locations.
Background and Match Details
Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo scored for the Dutch, but Issa Diop equalized in the 91st minute. In the shootout, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville missed for the Netherlands, leading to their elimination. High-profile Dutch-born players like Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine chose to represent Morocco, adding to the rivalry. An estimated 400,000 Moroccans live in the Netherlands.
Criticism of Coach Ronald Koeman
Head coach Ronald Koeman faced heavy criticism after the defeat. Zlatan Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports: 'This defeat is Koeman's fault, because I didn't recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity. That makes me angry. I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch identity. Today, Koeman looked like an Italian coach playing not to lose, whereas the Netherlands always plays to win. If you lose, at least lose with your own identity and don't change it.' Ibrahimovic added that the team's possession and attacking football were absent, calling the performance 'absolutely nothing.'
