Koeman Demands Defense as Gakpo Returns | Amsterdam News

Coach Koeman demands a sharper, more compact Dutch defense ahead of the scorching-heat showdown with Morocco, citing urgent improvements needed after conceding four in the group stage — but he’s confident the squad’s worked on it. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo, cleared to play despite heartbreaking personal loss, shows remarkable poise, echoing the mental grit of Khalid Boulahrouz in 2008 who played after losing his newborn — though the Dutch ultimately fell in extra time. Koeman admits he’d have preferred facing Morocco later in the tournament, knowing their attacking style creates space the Dutch thrive in. With temperatures soaring past 30°C and Morocco’s penalty hero goalkeeper looming, the Netherlands aim to extend their 20-year unbeaten streak in World Cup regulation play — their last loss dating back to 2006. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/821c3137e7adbfdf