Ronald Koeman is the Netherlands’ bond coach for the second time. He was on the sidelines for his country between 2018 and 2020. As a player, Koeman played for all major Dutch clubs and also spent a long time at FC Barcelona. Koeman also got around as a coach: Amsterdam, Lisbon, Eindhoven, Valencia, Rotterdam, Southampton, Everton and Barcelona were his stops. His brother Erwin Koeman works at his side as an assistant, closely involved in training, preparation and analysis.
Koeman has a very special rivalry with Germany. He was a libero for the Dutch national team in the late 80s and early 90s, which fought heated battles with the DFB team. At Euro 1988 in Germany, Holland knocked out the hosts in the semi-finals and went on to win the title in their arch-rival country. After the semi-final triumph, Koeman wiped himself clean in front of the stands with a German jersey. In 1990, however, he was eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Italy against the German team around Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann and Andreas Brehme.
“Totaalvoetbal” – for decades “total football” was the only accepted way of playing the game in the Netherlands: constant changes of position within a 4-3-3 system and high pressing made Dutch football attractive. The really big titles remained rare, and it was never enough to win the World Cup.
After his predecessors Frank de Boer and Louis van Gaal had experimented with other systems (and failed), Koeman brought back the 4-3-3, but reinterpreted it: the full-backs move forward in a controlled manner, the center remains stable. Instead of constantly changing positions, the team relies on clear spatial division, targeted changes of pace and structured pressing. Holland plays particularly well against defensive opponents, but is vulnerable if the opponent starts early and high.
The Netherlands are one of the most consistent World Cup participants in Europe, but are still waiting for their first title. The “Elftal” reached the final three times, each time finishing second: 1974 in Germany, 1978 in Argentina and 2010 in South Africa. The final in Johannesburg against Spain, decided in extra time, is considered one of the most defining games in Dutch World Cup history.
They missed the tournament in 2018. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, “Oranje” failed on penalties in the quarter-finals against Argentina. The balance shows: The Netherlands are almost always a factor at world championships – but it was never enough for the big hit.
“Oranje” refers to the national color associated with the Royal House of Orange. “Elftal” means “elf” and is a short form for the national team.
