Test match
“Wake-up call” for the Netherlands before the Germany duel
The Dutch around Jeremie Frimpong (r) had more problems with the Scots than the result suggests. photo
© Joris Verwijst/PA Wire/dpa
Orange coach Ronald Koeman was not satisfied despite the 4-0 win against Scotland. Before the prestigious duel with Germany, he finds clear words. The players also warn.
Bond coach Ronald Koeman heard from his team before the neighborhood duel Germany demanded a significant increase in performance. After the Dutch team’s long, arduous 4-0 win against Scotland in Amsterdam, the 61-year-old ex-professional emphasized: “It’s actually unbelievable that the Scots didn’t score. The Germans will do it.”
Tijjani Reijnders had given the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, after which Georginio Wijnaldum (72nd) and substitute Bundesliga legionnaires Wout Weghorst (84th) from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Donyell Malen (86th) from Borussia increased their lead on Friday evening Dortmund. “The start was bad, restless, sloppy,” complained Koeman to the Dutch broadcaster NOS. The way they played, they certainly didn’t get any closer to the European title.
The Dutch will meet runner-up France, Austria under German coach Ralf Rangnick and the winner of the playoff final between Wales and Poland in European Championship Group D. The Scots are again the German team’s opening opponents at the European Championships from June 14th to July 14th.
Before the test match between Germany and the Netherlands on Tuesday in Frankfurt/Main, veteran Virgil van Dijk also emphasized that there was still a lot to do. Things have to go better against Germany. “If we play the same way we did in the first half, we will undoubtedly be punished.” Goalscorer Reijnders went one better: “This game is a wake-up call for us and shows how not to start games. That may sound crazy after a 4-0 win, but we have to remain critical.”