Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman said during Sunday’s press conference that “it can’t go wrong” for Oranje in their final World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
The Netherlands are defending a three-point lead over Poland and boast a far superior goal difference of +19, compared to Poland’s +6.
With Lithuania visiting the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman doesn’t see anything going south for his team anymore. “Things won’t go wrong anymore, so you can also look at player fatigue,” Koeman said during the press conference. “We want to make it a good match, with good football and goals.”
After Friday’s 1-1 draw against Poland, Koeman was unhappy about the goal conceded. Jakub Kaminski was free to rush on the Dutch goal after a simple pass from Robert Lewandowski. Did Koeman see his team get lazy in defence?
Ronald Koeman (L) and Cody Gakpo during Sunday’s press conference in ZeistIRIS VAN DEN BROEK / EPA / Profimedia
“That could be. Perhaps you react a little less quickly when switching back. There were also moments when we were outplayed too easily. That urgency can and must improve.”
The Netherlands could’ve qualified for next year’s World Cup with a win, but only managed to grab one point in Warsaw.
“There was no joy afterwards, not because we didn’t qualify, but more because it wasn’t a good match. We didn’t create many chances, and on defence, a few things shouldn’t have happened. It’s good that we feel that way. You don’t have to be a nine or a ten every match, but you have to be more consistent in lesser matches.”
Another debut?
After striker Wout Weghorst was forced to withdraw from the squad with an injury, Strasbourg’s Emmanuel Emegha received his maiden call-up and given his debut in Warsaw.
With Koeman hinting at rotating against Lithuania, could he hand Feyenoord midfielder Luciano Valente his debut in the Dutch national team? The manager smiled and stayed silent after the question, but admitted earlier, “That’s possible, yes.”
Emegha, who Koeman wanted to hand his debut earlier but couldn’t due to injuries, is impressing the Netherlands boss. “An open and vocal lad. At his age, he’s already the captain of Strasbourg, playing as a striker. That says something. A player for the future, he looks promising.”
Luciano Valente could make his Netherlands debut on MondayHollandse Hoogte / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Injury issues
Before Sunday’s press conference, the Dutch KNVB announced that Justin Kluivert had left the Dutch camp due to an injury and returned to Bournemouth at the club’s request. Kluivert became the fourth Netherlands player to leave the team with an injury after Weghorst, Quilindschy Hartman, and Denzel Dumfries.
“Yeah, November… The lads have had a tough schedule, including Champions League games. That leads to more complaints and injuries,” Koeman said.
The former Everton and Barcelona manager said he will not call up any replacements. “The group is fine, we can fill all the positions, so that’s great.”
Despite the good results, the group stage hasn’t been the greatest success for Oranje, who didn’t always showcase great football and sometimes got lucky against smaller opponents. The mixed results and mistakes do not scare Koeman, however.
The Netherlands will see some different names play against LithuaniaHollandse Hoogte / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
“Sometimes communication could be better. But name a country that breezes through everything. Spain is, I think, an exception,” said Koeman.
“They are very stable, very good. We haven’t proven that yet, partly because we chose a certain style of play. We qualify, that’s our duty, but things need to improve. I still have every confidence that things will be better during the World Cup.”
The Netherlands play their final FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday, November 17th, against Lithuania. Oranje will secure qualification for the World Cup with at least a draw. The game will kick off at 20.45 CET.
