Where the Netherlands was on it, there was very little Netherlands in the European Championship in Switzerland. The title bearer from 2017 and Vice World Champion in 2019 was ultimately unnecessary after the opening victory against only partially competitive Welsh against the top teams England and France. What follows is a change of coach and probably also a smaller change.
It was time for an analysis. Or at least for a few answers. But Nigel de Jong’s only reaction to the requests of media professionals for an interview on Sunday evening in the belly of the St. Jakob Park in Basel was a shaking of the head.
The sports director of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbal Bond (KNVB), the Dutch Football Association, did not want to comment on the 2: 5 bankruptcy in the third group game against France and the associated European Championship.
It was somehow not surprising that the once tough midfield clearer was silent. Because the questions for him would have been uncomfortable. Finally, the 40-year-old was responsible for going to the European Championship with Andries Jonker.
Netherlands with “Lame Duck” Jonker on the coaching bench
The Jonker, to whom De Jong had told at the beginning of the year, that he was going on his position after the EM end regardless of the outcome of the tournament. And the Jonker who, in the last games before the title fights, experimented wildly (and unsuccessfully) and finally even called together his team to ask her the question of trust.
After the 0-4 disaster against England, the fact that this coach was only the famous “Lame Duck” was not evident when tactics and personnel decisions were not open and Daniëlle van de Donk and Damaris Egurrola publicly criticize the trainer in interviews.
It was three nice years. We really gave everything to get a good performance here. But it was not enough compared to England and France.
Jonker is now history. At least as a bond coach. “It was three nice years. We really gave everything to get a good performance here. But it was too little compared to England and France”said the 62-year-old in the Sportschau interview. He emphasized once again that he would have liked to continue as a “Oranje” coach. He was still about the decision of the KNVB “Very disappointed”.
With a new coach Veurink back into the future
However, the association apparently no longer trusted the former Bundesliga coach of the men of VfL Wolfsburg to shape the unmatched upheaval. Instead, this complicated task was entrusted to Arjan Veurink, who is currently still the English selection.
This is supposed to go back to the future for the Netherlands. Because the KVNB promises a renaissance of the successful time under Sarina Wiegman, with which the European Championships won in 2017 and two years later, almost the World Cup title was won. Her assistant coach was called Veurink at the time and is still today. “With over eight years of experience at the highest level as Sarina Wiegman’s right hand, first in the Netherlands and now in England, I am ready to stand on my own feet”said the 38-year-old.
No Resignation to be expected from the Netherlands
The man with the high forehead will not have to start from scratch. Despite the disappointing European Championship, a wave of resignation cannot be assumed. Some elderly players such as Sherida Spitse (35 years) and Renate Jansen (34) could choose an end to their international career.
Daniëlle van de Donk (33) has at least announced that it is no longer a big tournament for the “Oranje” team. After the France game, the still irreplaceable midfielder said: “The door is still open. Veurink can call me at any time. I’m curious to see how he thinks about it.”
Stars like Miedema did not do justice to leadership roles
It can be assumed that Van de Donk plays a central role in the planning of the Jonker successor. Because she is still the undisputed leader on the pitch. So also in Switzerland when the team performed well in the initial formation against Wales (3-0) and France and plunged into complete chaos without her against England.
This also founded that other experienced players such as Dominique Janssen, Jackie Groenen, Jill Roord and captain Vivianne Miedema were only able to take leadership roles to a limited extent. In the latter, it became noticeable that she has been thrown back by injuries over the past two years.
Vivianne Miedema (left) scored her 100th international goal against Wales, she stayed pale against England and against France.
Against France, the Dutch record goalkeeper was no longer enough for a place in the initial formation. She was just as victim to the “rage of rotation” by Jonker like the young Esmee Brugts, Wieke Kaptein and Veerle Buurman. The bond coach put fully on the map routine. The initial formation had an average age of 28 years and 148 days – a Dutch starting eleven was never older.
Dutch Footballers on Export hit
This brand will probably not be exceeded at first. Because there is no lack of hopeful talents in Dutch women’s football. The U20 selection of the KVNB at the World Cup in Colombia last September to the semi-finals. From this pool of talented kickers, some could definitely move up into the A team.
Provided, of course, Veurink gives you a chance. Because even if the results of the national team are currently not expressing it, Dutch footballers are still an export hit. For example, there are four players from our neighboring country in the VfL Wolfsburg squad for the new season. In the English Women’s Super League, which is now somewhat rushed to Germany’s elite class, even no less than 18 Dutch players earn their money.
To form a functioning collective from the many good individualists, it will initially be the main task of the new trainer Veurink. His predecessor could no longer do this. Nevertheless, the 62-year-old was conciliatory after the European Championship: “I told the players: You have a sturdy coach, one of the stubborn, but in one I have right: you are incredibly good.”