Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the round of 32. The Swedish legend claimed that Koeman 'lost the Dutch identity' by abandoning the nation's traditional attacking style.
Netherlands Exit in Penalty Shootout
The Netherlands took an early lead through Cody Gakpo, but Issa Diop equalised in stoppage time to force extra time. After a goalless extra period, Morocco won the penalty shootout 3-2, sending the Dutch packing from the tournament.
The Netherlands had impressed in the group stage, thrashing Sweden 5-1 and Tunisia 3-1, along with a 2-2 draw against Japan. However, their defensive approach against Morocco backfired.
Ibrahimovic's Verdict on Koeman
Ibrahimovic did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking to FOX Sports, he said: "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."
He added: "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. This was not the Netherlands I am used to seeing. You can also tell by the way they played that they didn't feel comfortable. The possession was gone, the attacking football was gone... It just looked very bad, and that was all Koeman's fault. I thought it was absolutely nothing, really nothing at all."
Thierry Henry Also Criticises Tactics
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry also questioned Koeman's decision to field a 5-4-1 formation. He said: "You take off a midfielder to bring on a defender... By doing so, you are basically saying that you are afraid of Morocco. That is allowed, of course. If you win, you are right. If you lose, you are wrong. I was really surprised, because the Netherlands normally doesn't play like that. But Koeman clearly had a different view on that."
Koeman Defends His Approach
Despite the criticism, Koeman defended his tactics after the match. He said: "We chose to play this way because we conceded too much in three matches. The whole of the Netherlands has said that we should play with five men at the back. So we do that, and I get criticism for it. Well... I don't give a damn. If I could do it over again, I would do exactly the same."
Morocco Advance to Face Canada
As a result of their win, Morocco advanced to the round of 16, where they will face Canada in Houston on Saturday, July 4.
