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Casablanca – Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has criticized Ronald Koeman’s tactical approach after Morocco knocked the Netherlands out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognize this Dutch team,” Ibrahimović said after the match. “He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity and that makes me angry. Lose with your identity… that’s who you are.”
His comments came after Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw at Monterrey Stadium.
The Atlas Lions created better opportunities for large parts of the match, forcing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into several crucial saves to deny Neil El Aynaoui and Ismael Saibari, while Achraf Hakimi also struck the post early in the second half.
Despite Morocco’s dominance, the Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who delivered an emotional celebration just days after reportedly losing his unborn child.
But Morocco struck back deep into stoppage time when defender Issa Diop headed home a cross from Chemsdine Talbi in the 91st minute to force extra time.
The Dutch struggled to regain control afterwards, with Morocco continuing to push forward as Verbruggen produced another huge save to deny Soufiane Rahimi before the game went to penalties.
Saibari eventually buried the decisive penalty to send the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Houston on Saturday, July 4.
