Concerning Conclusion About the Netherlands at the World Cup: 'That Really Needs to Improve'

"Against any country with a better forward line than Sweden, we would have been completely exposed," Maaskant stated on the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup Football Podcast. "I found Khalid Boulahrouz's analysis on NOS excellent. He clearly showed how much space we conceded, but also how many chances we gave away. If we play against Portugal or other top nations, we'll concede many goals this way."

The Netherlands will likely face Brazil or Morocco in the next round. According to Maaskant, these are precisely the matches where these weaknesses will be punished. "If you give Vinicius that much space thirty meters from your goal, you're inviting a lot of trouble," said the former coach of clubs including FC Groningen, NAC Breda, and Wisła Kraków.

Former international Hedwiges Maduro shares this analysis, believing the primary responsibility lies with the midfielders. "The tactical awareness of the midfielders absolutely needs to improve," Maduro concluded. "Every opponent utilizes hydration breaks, but we consistently struggle. I believe that as a midfielder, you should have a solution for every system."

"Players are increasingly required to be tactically astute these days, as teams constantly change their playing styles. However, I believe Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch should grasp this immediately. You should be able to see it within a minute, period," the eighteen-time international continued. "To win big matches, this aspect must improve."

Boulahrouz had previously concluded that the Dutch team gives away too much defensive space. "Against a strong opponent, it's unacceptable for them to simply play through the midfield lines, advance to the Dutch goal, and shoot. Sweden managed to do this multiple times, so I hope they've analyzed that thoroughly. Otherwise, you'll be out of the tournament quickly," Maduro concluded.

In the latest episode of the daily Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, Robert Maaskant and Damian Vlottes, along with Hedwiges Maduro and football observer Aron Kattenpoel Oude Heerink, discuss the latest developments at the World Cup. They extensively cover Cristiano Ronaldo's performance and his future with the Portuguese national team.

They also reflect on the passing of France coach Didier Deschamps' mother and discuss the biggest pain point for the Dutch national team. All this and more can be heard in the new episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, available from 7:30 AM in your favorite podcast app.