June 4 – Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has called the surprise 1-0 defeat to Algeria in a send-off friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ‘a wakeup call” for his team.
The Dutch depart for the World Cup on a sour note after a surprise defeat to the North Africans. In his post-analysis Koeman was frank: “I consider this a wake-up call.
“Of course, there were good moments, but as the match progressed, things started to go downhill. I don’t want to place the blame solely on the many substitutions, as Algeria did that too. But we did become sloppier in the second half and created fewer chances than in the first.”
He added: “We owe it to ourselves to win these kinds of matches, especially at home. I absolutely hate losing, and I just told the players that as well.”
The Dutch hadn’t lost a single match in 2025, but against Algeria they were given a reality check when Anis HadjMoussa struck in the 86th minute to spoil their send-off match at Rotterdam’s De Kuip Stadium.
In the first half, the Dutch had enjoyed a series of opportunities, but centre forward Donyell Malen failed to capitalise. Koeman then introduced veteran striker Memphis Depay and shifted Malen to the wing, but it did little to help the Netherlands’ attacking woes.
Koeman didn’t spare Malen either. He said: “I think he definitely needs to score at least one goal. He normally does that. He is there at the right moment. I think he always delivers for the national team as well, but at AS Roma he is the only one playing up front.”
Backed by around 10,000 fans, the Algerians eventually got a late winner. It’s all manager Vladimir Petkovic could have wished for as his team open their World Cup against defending champions Argentina on June 17 in Kansas.
Oranje will have a final warmup match against Uzbekistan to make the last adjustments to their starting eleven. The Dutch will play Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F at the World Cup. They open their campaign against the Asian powerhouse on 14 June in Dallas.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]