Leaders of the Dutch camp were in the midst of internal shock waves after their defeat by Algeria in recent football match in Netherlands just days before the World Cup starts.The shock waves are reaching the Dutch leadership team after their recent defeat at Algeria in the football match days ahead of the World Cup. It’s never good to lose on home soil. Losing battle just before an airplane trip to NY, though, is a big blow to the psyche. At the end of the game, Coach Ronald Koeman was very frustrated. The poor showing was a welcome lesson for his players, he said, openly.
The thing is that complacency is the cause of the problem, and the outcome appears bad on paper. During the first 25 minutes the Dutch side completely outplayed the Northern side. They had a few good opportunities to score but didn’t convert any. In a game of international football if you fail to discipline your opponent, you will be disciplined. Algeria were patient and took their shot late in the match and took the win.
This match reveals a more tactical issue for the Netherlands. It was a point Koeman made well, when his team began to play against themselves with the early frustration setting in. They went off shape, off target and ultimately off the field. This clinical finishing is a complete turnaround for an eighth world ranked team.
This is a reality check, though, and it could be a blessing in disguise. Losing a friendly game in June is far more desirable than losing a game in the group stage in July. The team loses its pride in this loss. It makes the players know that on the world stage, no one is to be taken lightly. Their killer instinct should be activated right before they play Uzbekistan on Monday.
