The Netherlands wins, but does not destroy Gibraltar in any way, Koeman grumbles: “Insufficient” | European Championship qualification 2024

Anyone who thought that the Orange would storm like a roaring bull to the goal of Gibraltar after the bubble wash against France was disappointed.

Naturally, the home team claimed the ball, but Gibraltar had built a solid wall.

Until goalkeeper Coleing misjudged a cross from Dumfries halfway through the first half: Memphis Depay nodded in the 1-0.

The Netherlands then had enough chances to expand the bonus, but was not precise enough. Wout Weghorst in particular would experience a frustrating evening.

Coleing also corrected his mistake with a flawless save in his short corner.

Immediately after the coffee, the Orange pushed through: after a long attack, Dumfries served Aké, who also scored with an overangled header.

Gibraltar gasped: immediately after kick-off, Walker – the only professional in the football dwarf – went boldly into the ankle of debutant Wieffer.

After the dark red card, the visitors seemed to be a bird for the cat, but the dreaded punishment failed to materialize despite 18 corner kicks.

With a good dose of luck, Nathan Aké made it 3-0, as late substitute and “Dutch” debutant Hartman also saw at Gibraltar.

Orange coach Ronald Koeman made no effort to hide his dissatisfaction with the game of his team. “It wasn’t good, I’m quite disappointed,” Koeman grumbled. “It really has to get better. We also have to get fitter.”

“This was really too little. It was sloppy, we were very imprecise. The intention to score a monster score, it was there. But the execution was insufficient.”

“Weghorst received crosses when there were 4 defenders with him. We also shot far too little at goal.”

Koeman had imagined something completely different from his return to the Orange. “It’s been a rotten week,” he looked back.

“A lot of players get sick at first. Then we lose a lot to France (4-0) and this time too it was not enough. It will have to get better soon.”

The Orange will play the final round of the Nations League in June in their own country with Croatia, Spain and Italy. “These are major opponents”, Koeman realizes. “In the run-up to that final round, I will have to look closely at the details of my selection. I think it is also important that we are complete.”

The Netherlands played without Frenkie de Jong against France and Gibraltar. “And Gakpo and De Ligt couldn’t play a whole match and Depay was injured, but the level with us will have to be raised. Too many players were insufficient.”