Dutch morning papers hold no mercy for Jong Oranje: ‘Nothing to look for in the knockout stages'
With sub-par performances in their first two games of the U21 European Championship, Jong Oranje are facing an inglorious exit.
Following a 2-2 draw with Finland, Denmark beat the Dutch yesterday 2-1, and the morning papers have been particularly critical of both the team and national coach Michael Reiziger.
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The Algemeen Dagblad noted a number of players from the Dutch Juniors falling to the ground in disappointment after the match. 'Against the Finns, the talents had already made a mess of it by missing countless chances. Against the Danes, Reiziger's modified formation went one better. Because of this, and by defending poorly again, an admittedly better performance ultimately yielded even less.'
According to the AD, Reiziger's team missed 10 clear chances as they ultimately fell victim to a William Osula brace after Oliver Provstgaard's initial own goal gave the Dutch the lead.
'There were too many to mention. Noah Ohio took the cake by failing to make the final push twice. This means that Jong Oranje suffered its first defeat, and the group win is already out of reach. A win over Ukraine on Wednesday will probably be enough for second place, but if Reiziger's team continues to lack killer instinct for goals, the team that was aiming for European gold in advance will not even have anything to look for in the knockout phase.'
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De Telegraaf continued critically, 'The Dutch juniors are again a big disappointment and must fear elimination from the European Championship.'
According to the newspaper, it would be a disappointment, because much was expected of the Dutch promises beforehand. 'All speculation about the Dutch juniors as possible tournament winners can be put on ice after two group matches. The difference with the performances of their peers from Germany, Italy and Spain in the group stage is enormous.'
Head coach Reiziger does not escape criticism. 'The role of Jong Oranje coach Michael Reiziger should be critically examined. Several choices made by the former Ajax player have not worked out well.'
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Anass Salah-Eddine's starting position was called 'a new rabbit out of the hat', especially since very little playing time since his transfer to AS Roma. Reiziger's choices will be examined in any case. 'The first two group matches have revealed the flaws in Reiziger's selection policy', writes De Telegraaf, which judges that many choices were made out of loyalty.
'That the form of the moment and match rhythm are not to be underestimated factors in tournament football. These can also be seen in striker Noah Ohio. He had three big chances against the Danes, but missed three times', according to De Telegraaf. 'The failure to select proven goal scorer Mexx Meerdink, a striker who is in form, continues to haunt Reiziger, if the strikers who were selected continue to miss so many chances.'
'Missing chances is not the only shortcoming of the Dutch Juniors at this European Championship so far', the newspaper continues. 'Just like against Finland, there were also many sloppy plays against Denmark, mostly by the more seasoned players such as Jorrel Hato, Devyne Rensch and Ian Maatsen. In addition, the Dutch Juniors were very vulnerable defensively against Denmark.' As a result, it is now 'make or break' against Ukraine.
GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
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