The Dutch aim to build on their World Cup performance at Euro 2024

The Dutch aim to build on their World Cup performance at Euro 2024

The The Dutch aim to build on their World Cup performance at Euro 2024 missed out on Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup and suffered a disappointing last-16 exit against the Czech Republic in the most recent European Championship. However, under Louis van Gaal, they reached the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago, ultimately losing on penalties to eventual champions Argentina.

Now, Ronald Koeman is back for a second stint as coach, with the Netherlands aiming for a strong performance in Germany after smoothly navigating qualifying, despite two defeats to France. “We feel the hunger for results, the hunger to win something,” wing-back Denzel Dumfries told reporters on Friday.

The Oranje midfield has been hit by injuries, with Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, and Marten de Roon all withdrawing. Experienced midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to play a key role, while Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch might see more minutes than anticipated.

Koeman downplayed concerns about injuries, stating, “It’s behind us, there is little point in answering all kinds of questions that are no longer current. We haven’t talked about it since we got here.”

Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen was a late call-up to replace De Jong. Fresh from helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final while on loan, Maatsen received the call while on holiday in Greece, with his parents driving his football boots to Germany for him. “It was quite a few kilometres,” said Maatsen, who had “fortunately only a glass of water” in his hand when Koeman delivered the news. “I have really great parents. They do everything for me. So that was quickly arranged.”

Joey Veerman is also in contention for a midfield spot, three years after cheering for the national team at Euro 2020 as a fan. Matthijs de Ligt, who was sent off for a handball in the loss to the Czechs three years ago, hopes to banish those memories and play alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense. “It’s not something that crossed my mind. On the contrary, I think I’ve grown a lot compared to that moment,” he said. “Of course, you’re still disappointed, but it’s been three years. You also have to deal with it.”