After World Cup exit against Morocco: National team coach Koeman leaves future as head coach open

At one point, things looked like a happy ending for Oranje. Cody Gakpo, the 27-year-old striker for Liverpool FC, put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute. Minutes earlier, the forward had publicly revealed that his second unborn son had died during his partner's pregnancy. After his goal, Gakpo sank to the ground and wept, while the entire team formed a huddle around him. As he got up, he pulled his jersey over his face and then pointed his finger to the sky.

But in the first minute of stoppage time (90+1), Issa Diop equalized for Morocco and forced extra time. During extra time, Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had made outstanding saves over long stretches, but committed a fateful error: He had already saved Soufiane Rahimi's second penalty, but then knocked the ball into his own net with his heel. The match thus had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Criticism of Koeman's lineup

There, the Netherlands' nerves failed them. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all missed, while Ismael Saibari converted his penalty safely for Morocco to seal it. The final score of 2:3 from the Elftal's perspective was thus set.

Koeman, who has been managing the Elftal for the second time as national team coach since early 2023, was already facing criticism before kickoff. He had opted for a formation with five defenders. The Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf" wrote that Koeman had already laid his head on the " chopping block" with this decision before kickoff. The trade magazine "Voetbal International" spoke of "Shameful cowardly football becomes fatal for Oranje."

Reactions from the team

The 63-year-old rejected the accusations after the game. "It's not about being afraid. It's about being better organized. We played with three strikers," Koeman said in Monterrey. He also rejected the accusation that he had offered his resignation to the association: "I didn't do that." He would "think about my future in peace," the national team coach said. His contract runs until July 31, 2026.

The mood in the Dutch camp was at rock bottom after the elimination. Veteran Marten de Roon described the atmosphere in the locker room as a "funereal mood." Captain Virgil van Dijk spoke after the match of the most dreadful moments of his career: "These are the most dreadful moments as a footballer," the defensive leader stammered into the microphone.

Possible succession by Peter Bosz

Defender Jan Paul van Hecke, meanwhile, offered an apology to the fans back home: "We all had a big dream. I can only say sorry." Dutch supporters not only had to cope with the elimination, but in many cities across the country also had to endure celebrating Moroccan fans.

Peter Bosz, coach of PSV Eindhoven, is being mentioned as a possible successor to Koeman. Bosz, a former Bundesliga coach at Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, is contractually tied to the Dutch champions until 2028 and is considered a promising candidate for the post of national team coach.

Under Koeman, the Netherlands had recently stabilized and reached the semifinals at Euro 2024. Oranje under Koeman had also previously reached the final four at the home Euro 2021. With another World Cup exit in the Round of 16, however, a phase in which the Elftal had once again counted internationally among the top group now comes to an end.

Gakpo's personal story

Had the Elftal won the match against Morocco, the next task would have been the quarterfinal against Canada on Saturday in Houston. Instead, the debate about the future of the team and its coach now begins.

The exit against Morocco hit the team during an emotionally charged phase. Gakpo's personal tragedy immediately before the tournament had placed an additional burden on the team. That he of all people scored the important opening goal initially made the evening an emotional high point, before the late equalizer and the penalty shootout ultimately dashed hopes.

Koeman himself appeared composed but pensive after the match. He deliberately left open the question of whether he would continue despite the bitter disappointment. "I will think about my future in peace," he said. The personnel matter at the top of the Elftal will thus remain the dominant topic in Dutch football over the coming days and weeks.

Looking ahead to upcoming tournaments – the 2030 World Cup is already on the horizon – the Dutch association will need to make its position clear soon. Should Koeman actually step down, Peter Bosz would be the first point of contact. Should he stay, Koeman would have to rebuild the team after this low point and at the same time refute criticism of his defensive style of play.

The match in Monterrey will continue to have an impact in the Netherlands for a long time to come – not only because of the sporting disappointment, but also because of the human story surrounding Cody Gakpo, who, despite his personal loss, was a goalscorer and ultimately left the field with defeat.