SOCCER: Dutch predict Morocco clash could be a thriller but feel it comes too soon

MONTERREY, Mexico – The Round of 32 meeting between Morocco and Netherlands at the World Cup may have come too early in the tournament, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said on the eve of Monday’s clash in Monterrey.

Both teams finished among the top eight at the previous World Cup four years ago. Morocco made history as the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, while the Netherlands narrowly lost on penalties to eventual champions Argentina in the quarterfinals.

“It’s a big thing for this game to take place now because we are both teams that ought to go further than this stage,” Koeman said.

“It’s a very important match between two teams that want to go as far as possible in the tournament. A match of this nature comes a little too soon at the World Cup, I would say. But it is what it is, and it will be a very attractive match. We are going to play offensively,” he added.

Koeman and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk both expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday’s knockout match.

“They have a lot of talent, but so do we. We know where we need to stop them, break them down, and we are not worried,” Koeman said.

Van Dijk highlighted Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi as one of the best players in world football. He also pointed to striker Ismael Saibari, who enjoyed an outstanding season with PSV Eindhoven, and midfielder Brahim Díaz as key threats.

“They have a lot of good players. The defensive midfielder breaking through now, a young guy who is doing well, is another,” van Dijk added, referring to 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi.

“We analyzed them, we’ve trained, and we had two very good sessions. Everything has been said, and now it’s down to us. I’m really looking forward to it. It is going to be a challenging game in difficult circumstances, but these are the games you want to be part of,” he said.

Van Dijk added that the Netherlands do not need a dominant victory to prove their World Cup credentials.

“I don’t think we have to put any statements down. We are where we are. It’s a fantastic game for neutrals to watch. For us, it’s just the reality—we are here now, and we prepare for Morocco,” he said. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan/Reuters