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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman accepted responsibility for his side's disappointing opening draw against Japan and pledged to make better use of his substitutes as the Dutch side prepares for a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F clash against Sweden on Saturday (Local Time).
The Netherlands were left frustrated after surrendering a late lead, eventually having a 2-2 draw with Japan, conceding an equaliser in the 89th minute after Koeman opted for a more defensive approach. Speaking ahead of the match in Houston, the Dutch coach admitted his changes from the bench failed to have the desired effect. "First of all, the impact or influence of the substitutions was not positive, and I am accountable for that of course," Koeman told reporters, according to Reuters. "I accept criticism towards me. It's not an issue. I took my decision because I spoke with my staff. I also made clear what I did want to change. We should have pressed more, high on the pitch, and we were not able to do that. We want to convey this message to the players," he said. The Dutch now face a Sweden side brimming with confidence after a 5-1 demolition of Tunisia in their opening match. Sweden's attacking duo of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak were among the standout performers, each finding the net and causing constant problems for the Tunisian defence. "They are pacy, they are strong, and they are able to find the net," Koeman said. "So we will focus on them, we'll pay attention to them. But we have to focus on the entire Swedish team. They performed well on the pitch." The Netherlands will be without defender Quinten Timber, who suffered a concussion following an accidental collision with teammate Teun Koopmeiners during training. "There was a collision which caused light concussion experienced by Quinten so he will not play this match. After this match, he might be ready," Koeman said, as per ESPN. There are also concerns over the fitness of influential midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is battling a stomach-related issue and remains doubtful for the contest. "But Frenkie also has minor complaints about his physical condition. He also did practice with other players. But let's see how he will be tomorrow. It is not clear. It is a question mark. I'm not sure, I don't know. It is below his belly, his injury," Koeman added. The coach, however, dismissed suggestions that De Jong's place in the side should come under scrutiny despite highlighting areas where the midfielder can further improve his game. "I spoke to Frenkie after the game, and I think he is doing a lot of things right," Koeman said. "Tactically, he is a very clever player. I've also discussed with Frenkie that when we are in the offence, he needs to get out there. Sometimes he stays too low on the pitch, and sometimes he could perform an action forward because then he is really fast. That's the part where I think for himself and the team he has room for improvement. However, it would be going way too far to say 'leave him out,'" he added. Koeman is also hoping for a stronger contribution from the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay, who is recovering from a thigh problem and struggled to influence the game after coming off the bench against Japan. With Sweden leading Group F after their emphatic opening victory and the Dutch sitting on one point, Saturday's encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the qualification race for the knockout rounds. (ANI)
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