Netherlands lose World Cup dress rehearsal against Algeria – DR Congo plans tournament start in Houston

The Oranje, coached by Ronald Koeman and led by captain Virgil van Dijk, had been undefeated in ten consecutive matches prior to this. Their last defeat in De Kuip dated back to 2023. Donyell Malen only hit the post in the early stages, after which the hosts controlled the game for long stretches – but were too often unsuccessful against Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of French World Cup winner Zinédine Zidane.

Outlook on World Cup groups

Algeria travels to the World Cup with a broad chest: The team is in Group J and will face defending champions Argentina in the preliminary round on June 17. The match against the Netherlands was part of an international match phase in which the Algerian selection will also face Austria; the match Austria vs. Algeria is scheduled for June 28 in Kansas City and will be broadcast live by ORF from 4:00 AM.

DR Congo under pressure: Ebola affects preparation

While the Netherlands will start their World Cup campaign in Group F against Japan on June 14, the DR Congo is preparing for its second World Cup tournament after 1974 under difficult conditions. The team had originally planned to play a test match against Chile on June 9 in La Línea de la Concepción in the Spanish province of Cádiz. However, Mayor Juan Franco canceled the encounter, citing health risks related to an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country.

The World Cup hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico had already imposed entry restrictions at the end of May for individuals who had previously stayed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. The DR Congo subsequently canceled a planned three-day training camp as well as a farewell event with fans in the capital, Kinshasa. The team will take up its team quarters in Houston starting June 11.

Test match against Denmark ends goalless

In parallel, the DR Congo played another test match in Liège against Denmark, which ended goalless at 0-0. The best chance of the match fell to striker Cedric Bakambu, who appeared alone in front of goal in the first half but did not score. Denmark had not qualified for the World Cup and used the encounter as a benchmark.

After the defeat against Algeria, the Dutch camp has little time for correction. Ronald Koeman's team must quickly improve its finishing if they are to face Japan in Group F on June 14. For Algeria, the victory in Rotterdam is also a personal success for goal scorer Anis Hadj Moussa, who made the difference with his debut goal in the national jersey.