The Netherlands' national football team has shown impressive form, securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup. Ronald Koeman, the team's coach, is optimistic about their chances due to the squad's depth
and talent. In their recent 4-0 victory over Lithuania, players like Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo showcased their skills, marking a historic moment as four Premier League players scored in one match for the Oranje.
Koeman's confidence stems from the team's strong performance history at FIFA tournaments. The Netherlands reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and were runners-up in 2010. They also secured third place in Brazil. With the next World Cup set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, Koeman believes his team can excel.
The Dutch squad's depth is evident with players like Ryan Gravenberch and Micky van de Ven not featuring against Lithuania. This highlights the intense competition within the team. Koeman emphasised that having such quality options makes selection challenging but beneficial for overall performance.
Koeman stated, "We simply have a great squad. There's a lot of competition, and you can see that again with the players coming on [as substitutes]. These are difficult choices because there's so much quality. " The team's expected goals (xG) against Lithuania was 3.16 from 20 attempts, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Leadership plays a crucial role in guiding younger players. Key figures like Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay are pivotal in this aspect. Koeman noted that experienced players such as Nathan Ake and Denzel Dumfries bring valuable insights from playing at top levels for years.
4 - For the first time ever, four Premier League players have found the net in one single game for the Netherlands. Premire.pic.twitter.com/Lkr2YkhwolOptaJohan (@OptaJohan)November 17, 2025
"If we tighten our expectations of each other a little bit," Koeman added, "to make each other even bigger, stronger, and better, then a lot is possible. " He stressed that leadership cannot always come from him alone; it requires collective effort from seasoned players.
Qualifying Success
The Netherlands performed admirably during qualifiers, winning six out of eight matches and drawing twice against Poland. Their goal tally stands at 27, second only to Norway's 37 among UEFA teams before Tuesday's final qualifiers. Defensively solid too, they conceded just four goals.
Koeman acknowledged that mistakes could be costly during major tournaments like the World Cup. "This squad can play so well," he remarked. "That's why it's sometimes difficult to accept that mistakes are made. " He highlighted that errors could lead to early exits despite having a talented team.
The Dutch team's potential is evident through their consistent performances and strong leadership core. With experienced players guiding emerging talents, they aim to capitalise on their strengths at future tournaments while minimising errors that could hinder progress.
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