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Rob Dawson, correspondent
BERLIN, Germany – Coach Ronald Koeman called the Netherlands’ performance in their 3-2 loss to Austria “horrible” and “appalling.”
The defeat leaves the Netherlands third in Group D and, although they have still qualified for the round of 16, their path in the knockout rounds has become much more difficult.
The Netherlands fell behind twice and tied both times before Marcel Sabitzer scored a sublime goal to put Austria on top of the group.
Koeman was particularly critical of the way his team started the match, seeing Austria take the lead after just six minutes, and criticized the way they defended by conceding the second and third goals.
“I can list quite a few mistakes,” Koeman said afterwards. “We started very badly. We didn’t defend well. We weren’t aggressive, there was a lack of pressure and we also lost the ball, especially at the beginning, so it was really very bad.
“The players ran a lot, but not in positions, so it was horrible, very bad. We didn’t control the game. The game against France was reasonable as a team, but today was horrible.”
Koeman, who is under contract until after the 2026 World Cup, also faced questions about his future in his post-match press conference. After looking completely outclassed for most of the match against Austria, the 61-year-old was asked if he intends to continue as coach after the tournament.
“It is not a question that should be addressed now because I do not like to talk about these types of questions: what if?” said the former Barcelona coach. “If it happens, I will try to have an answer. I am responsible for this match, but we are still in the next stage and we have to play much better. It is possible with this team. They have the qualities.
“If we fail, you can ask me this question again (about my future).”
Meanwhile, Austria tops Group D ahead of the Netherlands and France. After losing their first match against France, they won their next two matches to set up a round of 16 match against the runner-up of Group F: potentially Turkey or Czechia.
“We started with a 1-0 loss with an own goal against France and we knew we had to win against Poland and then finish first in the group, that’s incredible,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said. “The probability of us winning here and if France didn’t win, if you placed a bet you would be a very rich man or woman.
“We were rewarded for this brave and energetic performance.”
