The Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman addressed the media with calm assurance on Sunday, speaking during the pre game press conference shared via the team (OnsOranje) official YouTube channel as his side prepared for their final World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, Softfootball reports.
Oranje enter this decisive fixture with a three-point cushion over Poland and a far superior goal difference, putting them in a commanding position heading into Monday’s match at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Confidence is even higher considering the first fixture between the two sides ended in a dramatic 3–2 win for the Netherlands,a result that proved vital in the group standings.
According to OnsOranje’s official YouTube channel, Koeman opened his press duties with a firm message of belief:
Things won’t go wrong anymore, so you can also look at player fatigue.
We want to make it a good match, with good football and goals.
He also looked back on the 1–1 draw with Poland on Friday, a match that denied them early qualification and acknowledged that the defensive reaction in key moments was not sharp enough, he stated;
That could be. Perhaps you react a little less quickly when switching back. There were also moments when we were outplayed too easily. That urgency can and must improve.
Koeman went on to say that the team understood the performance in Warsaw was below their level, and that the frustration inside the dressing room reflected the standards they set for themselves.
There was no joy afterwards, not because we didn’t qualify, but because it wasn’t a good match. We didn’t create many chances, and in defence, a few things shouldn’t have happened. You don’t have to be a nine or ten every match, but you must be more consistent in lesser matches.
The Netherlands’ preparations for Lithuania have been complicated by injuries throughout the squad. Wout Weghorst, Quilindschy Hartman, Denzel Dumfries and now Justin Kluivert have all withdrawn, prompting a first call-up for Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, who made his debut in Poland. With rotation expected, the possibility of giving Feyenoord midfielder Luciano Valente his first cap is also on Koeman’s mind.
He offered only a brief but telling response, he said:
That’s possible, yes.
Koeman also praised Emegha’s character and impact since joining camp.
An open and vocal lad. At his age, he’s already the captain of Strasbourg, playing as a striker. That says something. A player for the future, he looks promising.
Despite the injuries piling up, Koeman ruled out bringing in new players, assuring the media that the squad has enough depth.
The group is fine, we can fill all the positions, so that’s great.
Meanwhile,fans can catch the full pre game match conference shared via the team’s official YouTube channel as the Onsoranje prepare to take on Lithuania in a must win game if they are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Watch the full video below:
Assessing the entire qualification run, Koeman admitted that Oranje have not always played their best football and have sometimes made avoidable mistakes, but reminded everyone that very few nations dominate every match. he stated;
Sometimes communication could be better. But name a country that breezes through everything. Spain is, I think, an exception. They are very stable, very good. We qualify, that’s our duty, but things need to improve. I still have every confidence that things will be better during the World Cup.
With only one more step separating them from a World Cup berth, the Netherlands now look ahead to Monday’s decisive clash. Kick-off at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and even a draw will be enough to seal qualification. For Koeman and his players, the message is clear,that is finish the job on home soil and book the ticket to the World Cup.
