No further goals were scored in extra-time, meaning the Round of 32 tie was settled on penalties.
Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed to convert from the spot before Ismael Saibari fired Morocco through to the next round, where they will meet joint-hosts Canada at the Houston Stadium on Saturday.
“I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team. 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.”
Koeman, who earned 78 caps for the Dutch national team between 1983-1994, has been in charge of the Oranje since 2023. However, his position as head coach is now under severe threat following Monday’s lacklustre performance against Morocco.
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Koeman Defends Defensive Tactics
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The Netherlands, who perfected the revolutionary philosophy of Total Football in the 1970s, are accused of using ultra defensive tactics in their Round of 32 clash.
However, Koeman defended his tactical approach following the penalty shootout defeat. The 63-year-old told NOS, per Tribuna: “The atmosphere in the locker room was dramatic. When you see things like the penalty [from Soufiane Rahimi] that went under [Bart] Verbruggen, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be for us.
“I decided to play this way because we gave too much space in the group stage. We needed to mark better, you know! Morocco is an excellent team, with star players. So, I decided this after a meeting with the group. I don’t regret it one bit.
“I was trying to change the team according to the thinking about who could take the penalties. I lost [Frenkie] De Jong, I lost Gakpo… so I was trying to put in capable people. It didn’t work out, what can you do?”
De Jong was replaced by Marten de Roon in the 110th minute, while Kluivert came on for Gakpo minutes later.
Manchester United suffered a big blow after it was confirmed Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury.
The Red Devils were considering offloading the Uruguayan midfielder, but the injury has hampered their plans to do so.
Ornstein: Man Utd Midfielder Update
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United’s midfield recruitment plans are unaffected by the injury to Ugarte. West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes remains the immediate priority, and others are also being considered.
Liverpool are looking at some new winger options in the transfer market, according to TeamTalk, alongside a possible switch for Bradley Barcola this summer.
Bradley Barcola is a key target, not least as Diomande’s move to PSG may force an exit as he enters the final two years of his contract with the European champions.
While he may be the most high-profile candidate on the club’s radar, it appears as though another two options are being assessed for a deal this summer.
Liverpool Eye Said El Mala
via Reuters
One of those options, according to TeamTalk, is Koln forward Said El Mala, who appears likely to leave the German club in the coming weeks.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last time out, making 36 appearances, bagging 13 goals and five assists for the Bundesliga outfit.
In that time, the youngster largely featured on the left wing, but also received minutes as a centre-forward, in attacking midfield, and on the right wing.
The Germany youth international continues to receive plenty of interest as a result, and was seemingly close to joining Brentford earlier in the transfer window.
That move fell through, however, and now a switch to Liverpool could be on the cards as they continue to monitor a potential deal to sign El Mala.
A move does appear complicated, however, as his brother, Malek El Mala, is believed to want a move with his brother to wherever his next destination is.
It remains to be seen whether that could be a deal-breaker for Liverpool, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United remain in the hunt for his signature too.
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Liverpool Want Bazoumana Toure
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The other winger Liverpool have been linked with is Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure. The 20-year-old Ivorian star has impressed over the past year, bagging five goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
The forward largely features on the left wing, but has also received some minutes on the right and as a centre-forward when required for his team.
It’s claimed that Toure, who is currently at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, is viewed as a “long-term” option for Liverpool to help improve their options.
Liverpool have discussed a move for one of their transfer targets this summer, as they move on from Yan Diomande’s rejection.
He would join Rio Ngumoha in becoming a young development player for the long-term, while Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz are expected to take up roles as the more experienced options.
It remains to be seen who the Reds will land, as they must now adjust to the blow of missing out on Yan Diomande in the transfer window.
Arsenal could be in line for a decent transfer windfall this summer, as CaughtOffside claims that a former player may join their rivals Chelsea in the coming weeks.
The Gunners are set for an important market, with Mikel Arteta keen to add even more quality to his squad after winning the Premier League last season.
A move for Bruno Guimaraes has been at the forefront of their business so far, with an offer made for the Newcastle ace, with a belief that any move could prove costly.
However, London rivals Chelsea may help provide a windfall for the club through a sell-on clause for a former player.
Chelsea Eye Folarin Balogun
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio
After a few impressive World Cup outings this summer, Chelsea are eyeing a transfer for Folarin Balogun this summer, according to Caught Offside.
The former Arsenal striker is believed to be a target for the Blues, with AS Monaco demanding roughly £47.4 million to sanction a possible exit.
Chelsea seemingly view the 24-year-old as an ideal option, while Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are linked with an exit, handing Xabi Alonso another striker option.
However, it would hand Arsenal a transfer windfall as a result, due to the club having a sell-on clause inserted into the deal for the former Gunners academy product.
It’s a clause worth 17.5 percent of the overall fee, which could see the Premier League champions land a sizable sum to go towards their other transfer deals.
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Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
Arsenal’s summer transfer window is set to be an important one, as the team looks to keep progressing and continue winning all the biggest prizes.
Deals for some of the biggest names in the Premier League are on the cards, but it is likely to come at quite an expense for the Gunners.
Bruno Guimaraes is a major target, with the midfielder likely to cost upwards of £70 million, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another who is being quoted at more than £100 million.
Arsenal have seemingly walked away from a deal for one of their transfer targets, and will move on to other options this summer.
It all lines up towards an expensive window that will need to be financed by more than their impressive performances on the pitch over the course of the last season.
Arsenal’s inability to sell for large transfer fees has been an issue that needs to be addressed. While Balogun’s sale could indirectly help, the Gunners need to find a way to maximise the fees they receive in the transfer market.
