Ireland needed to win against the Netherlands to be in with a hope of qualifying for the Euros next summer. They came out with an aggressive press that unsettled the Dutch side, but were too slow to adapt to Ronald Koeman’s changes in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. In […]
The Netherlands’ defensive system had issues throughout the game, especially against Croatia’s strong midfield unit. Ronald Koeman’s decision to experiment with a center-back moving into midfield had mixed results, and Croatia were deserved winners in the end. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Ronald Koeman’s return to the Netherlands national team started badly in […]
Defeated World Cup finalists France were back in action were in action for the first time since that fateful night in Lusail, as they kicked off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. They faced the Netherlands, for whom Ronald Koeman was back in the dugout for a second stint. It did not prove to be a […]
Lionel Messi brought his absolute best and a well-organized Argentina looked all but qualified for the semi-finals on a two-goal lead. Until the ultimate all-in rendition of a plan B hit them in the form of two Wout Weghorst goals, and the match went to extra-time. Despite Argentina’s upper hand, penalties were needed to see […]
This was not just a football match, this was Louis van Gaal’s coaching team going in strongly against a nation’s football heritage, doing everything to maximize the chances of winning. The Dutch put full focus in their off-the-ball play, but ironically had to survive multiple close scares to pull off an ultimately quite convincing result […]
Ecuador outwitted the Dutch with perfect tactical adjustments, and completely overpowered them on the pitch. An early Dutch goal papered over the cracks, but from that moment on, Ecuador’s mix of astute tactics and impressive individual performances completely nullified their opponent. In the end Ecuador was left with hearts, minds and a single point. And […]
Both teams struggled on the offensive side of things, until a late moment of defensive collapse presented a moment for the Dutch to express their individual qualities. Up to that point, Senegal’s neat tactical adjustments and well-executed high pressing proved very challenging for Van Gaal’s possession-dependent system. Two late goals tipped the result and showed […]
Back after an eight years absence, and fresh from an outright disappointing EURO 2020, the Dutch have refurbished themselves. In his third stint as national manager, Louis van Gaal has returned to a formation all too familiar from the 2014 edition that ended in a third place. This tactical preview has been written by Sander […]
Despite a close first half, it was the Dutch who came out on top at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Belgium’s defense became increasingly stretched in the second half, while their forwards struggled to find space past a well-organized Netherlands outfit. As a result, the Dutch advance to the Nations League finals to be held next […]
A determined Czech Republic team decided to press man-for-man against the Netherlands. The Dutch responded with a lot of long balls, which made this an even game with plenty of duels in midfield and few chances. The game still scoreless, a 55th minute red card for Matthijs de Ligt tilted the match, as the Czechs […]