Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands manager, kicked off the psychological tactics early as his team gears up for a crucial last-32 matchup against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup.
The Dutch secured first place in Group F with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City. This means they will face Morocco, the runners-up from Group C, in a knockout match in Mexico.
Koeman aimed to apply pressure on the North Africans by stating that his team would enter as the underdogs next Tuesday at the Monterrey Stadium.
“I’m uncertain if we’re the favorites against Morocco,” Koeman mentioned to reporters after the Tunisia match.
“We must prepare adequately for Morocco, as it will be a significant match. They are a strong team with great quality and the ability to score.”
At 63, Koeman downplayed inquiries about goals extending beyond the last 32, asserting: “I don’t believe we are in a position to think about that just yet. We’re heading towards our genuine test, and that’s our focus.”
Brobbey scores again
The Netherlands maintains a perfect record thus far, following a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia in Kansas City.
The Dutch came out aggressively, securing a 2-0 lead within the first seven minutes. They opened the scoring in the third minute due to an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri, who inadvertently redirected a cross into his own net.
Brian Brobbey extended the lead shortly after, converting a headed pass from Virgil van Dijk following a free-kick. The Dutch seemed in control of the game until they were jolted awake in the second half by a Tunisia corner that found Hazem Mastouri, who headed the ball into the bottom-left corner.
The Netherlands quickly responded, with Jan Paul van Hecke heading in to restore their lead.
Although Tunisia had some intermittent chances, they couldn’t trouble the Dutch defenders further as they exited without any points, while the Oranje advanced to the last 32.
Japan prepares for Brazil showdown
Though Brazil is considered World Cup royalty, Japan won’t be an easy opponent when the two teams meet in Houston on June 29 for a last-32 encounter, stated coach Hajime Moriyasu after their team finished as Group F runners-up.
Japan settled for a 1-1 draw against Sweden on Thursday night, finishing second to the Netherlands in their qualifying group. Daizen Maeda netted first, but Anthony Elanga equalized for Sweden.
Moriyasu highlighted a 3-2 comeback victory over Brazil in Tokyo last October as evidence that his team can pull off an upset.
“In our previous encounter, we demonstrated to Brazil that we are not to be underestimated,” said Moriyasu. “That marks significant progress for us. Brazil is a top-tier team, and we hold them in high regard.
“Anything can happen in our match. We’ll also have a chance to win.”
Sweden qualified as the best third-placed team. Their last-32 opponent is still unknown, but currently, they are set to face France on Tuesday.
