Koeman impressed with ´flashy´ Netherlands, jumps to defend De Ligt mistakes

Ronald Koeman was pleased with the Netherlands’ “flashy” display against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as he also jumped to the aid of defender Matthijs de Ligt.

A dominant Dutch display eventually reflected the scoreline it deserved upon Donatas Rumsas’ final whistle, as they bounced back to winning ways with a 5-2 victory following their Euro 2024 semi-final disappointment.

Joshua Zirkzee’s opener was cancelled out by Ermedin Demirovic, before strikes from Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands a comfortable advantage.

Edin Dzeko’s 73rd-minute goal threatened to set a nervy conclusion to proceedings, only for Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons to confirm an emphatic victory.

“We played really well in possession. Very fresh, fast, often finding the people between the lines,” Koeman said.

“Especially after the break, we had a good phase, but then the game has to be over.”

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Despite registering 28 shots, with nine of those on target, along with an expected goals (xG) total of 4.09, two lapses in concentration from De Ligt were punished by Bosnia.

Demirovic capitalised on some poor positioning from the Manchester United defender, who was then caught ball-watching as veteran Dzeko capitalised.

But Koeman came to the defence of De Ligt, saying: “You concede two goals, you take that with you. When we went to 3-2, you also saw some doubt in the team, while that was not necessary if you looked at the proportions.

“[For the first goal] Simons should have done better. He was marking their left midfielder and suddenly walked away from him.

“Of course, the centre-backs are positioning themselves wrong too.

“He [De Ligt] also realises that he is in the wrong position. This shouldn’t happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it’s unfair to make a big deal out of it.”