The Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a sad way after Morocco completed a dramatic comeback to eliminate Ronald Koeman’s side on penalties after a 1-1 draw, but most of the discussions after the match did not center on the result itself, but on the tactical decisions of the Dutch manager.Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović launched one of the strongest criticisms of the tournament while working as a FOX Sports pundit, laying the blame for the defeat squarely on Koeman. Thierry Henry, who joined him in the studio, also questioned the conservative game plan of the Netherlands, arguing that Morocco deserved to progress because they remained true to their identity throughout the competition.However, Koeman defended his approach, insisting he would make the same decisions again despite the painful layoff.
The late collapse turned the Dutch control into punishment unfortunately
The Round of 32 clash seemed to favor the Netherlands when Cody Gakpo, playing just days after the heartbreaking loss of his unborn child, gave Oranje the lead in the 72nd minute.The Liverpool forward’s goal seemed set to send the Netherlands to the Round of 16, but Morocco refused to surrender.
The Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo (11) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
Deep into stoppage time, in the 91st minute, Issa Diop rose to equalize after a costly defensive pass, sending the game into extra time and completely shifting the momentum.From that point on, Morocco increasingly controlled the proceedings. The Netherlands spent long periods defending deep, ending the latter stages of the contest with just 35 percent possession as Koeman’s side retreated into a compact low block.
Morocco’s Issa Diop reacts after he scored his team’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept the Dutch alive with a superb save to deny Soufiane Rahimi during extra time, but the resistance finally ended in a penalty shootout when Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco to the Round of 16, where they will face Canada.For the Netherlands, it brought an abrupt end to a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Ibrahimović gave a scathing verdict on Koeman
Speaking to FOX Sports after the match, Ibrahimović made it clear that he believed the defeat was entirely self-inflicted.“This defeat is Koeman’s fault, because I don’t know this Dutch team. Ibrahimović said.The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker argues that the Netherlands have abandoned the attacking philosophy that has traditionally defined their football.“I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch identity. Now, Koeman is like an Italian coach who plays not to lose, while the Netherlands always play to win. If you lose, at least lose your own identity and do not change it.“This is not the Netherlands I am used to seeing. You can also tell by their play that they are not comfortable. The possession is gone, the attacking football is gone. It doesn’t look good, and that’s all Koeman’s fault.“I thought it was absolutely nothing, absolutely nothing.”Ibrahimović promised when joining FOX Sports’ World Cup coverage earlier this year that he would “wake up” viewers with honest analysis, and his assessment of the Netherlands’ elimination became one of the strongest post-match reactions of the tournament.
Henry also questioned the defensive switch
Thierry Henry shares many of Ibrahimović’s concerns, although his criticism is more focused on Koeman’s tactical setup.Before Ibrahimović spoke, Henry praised Morocco for remaining committed to their style of play throughout the night.“The team that tried to win,” Henry said: “They didn’t change their shape. They did what they were, their identity.”He contrasted that with the Netherlands, arguing that they appeared more concerned with protecting their advantage than expanding it.“Morocco is trying to win the game,” Henry said: “The Netherlands is just trying not to lose it.”Henry was especially surprised by Koeman’s decision to field a back five in an important knockout fixture.“You take a midfielder to bring in a defender. By doing this, you say you are afraid of Morocco. That is allowed, of course. If you win, you are right. If you lose, you are wrong.”“I was really surprised, because the Netherlands usually don’t play like that. But Koeman clearly has a different view on that.The comments echo Ibrahimović’s central argument that the Dutch have drifted away from the attacking identity that has long characterized their national team.
Koeman stands by his decisions despite criticism
Koeman rejected the suggestion that his tactics were responsible for the defeat and insisted that a defensive approach was needed against one of the strongest teams in the tournament.“With this defensive approach, we gave up a lot less than we did during the (group) games,” Koeman said.“It was positive, but we weren’t very offensive either. You can think about the tactics however you want, but we didn’t give much against a team stronger than Sweden and Tunisia. And if I had to do it again, I would do it again.”The Dutch manager also argued that football often judges coaches on results rather than performances.“I also know that if Morocco had not equalized the last goal, there would have been all kinds of praise for me as the Dutch coach, but now, perhaps, I will be criticized for the fact that I chose five defenders, but again, I believe it is necessary.In the end, Morocco’s dramatic comeback and penalty shootout victory ensured that the debate surrounding Koeman’s tactical decisions overshadowed the Netherlands’ elimination. While Ibrahimović and Henry questioned whether Oranje had abandoned their footballing identity, Koeman remained convinced that his plan was the right one, even if it ended with another painful exit from the World Cup.