Latest news with #Koeman
Free Malaysia Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Depay kept ‘hungry' after equalling van Persie's scoring record
Memphis Depay has 50 goals in 102 international appearances for the Netherlands. (EPA Images pic) GRONINGEN : Memphis Depay was denied the chance to complete a hattrick today, and take sole possession of the Dutch national team's all-time scoring record in the process, as coach Ronald Koeman said he wanted to keep him hungry for goals. Forward Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands' 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie's record of 50. Both players have 50 goals in 102 international appearances. 'I equalled van Persie, I am happy with that,' said Depay, who was taken off in the 72nd minute with the Dutch 4-0 up. 'But this is just an interim total. Of course I am also going for 51, 52 and also 53. If I had played longer, I might have scored one more tonight,' he told reporters. 'I didn't say anything about the fact that the coach took me off early. I was already happy that I could do what I've been doing for years… scoring.' Depay scored his first international goal against Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but it has not always been smooth sailing over the years with the national team. 'We have had some turbulence over the years,' he said. 'There have been many coaches and many players have come and gone. The times have shaped me and made me realise what I want. 'Ultimately, it's important that we're at the World Cup and that we go far.' Koeman has consistently backed Depay over his two spells in charge of the Dutch, even when he struggled with his club form. 'I've always thought Memphis is a great player. I think he deserves a great compliment. He's had a year full of injuries, but he's fit and hungry now,' said Koeman. 'It's great that he didn't score the third, because then he stays hungry,' he quipped on Dutch television.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Dutch delight but coach and captain feel win over Finland could have been better
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - European Qualifiers - Group G - Finland v Netherlands - Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland - June 7, 2025 Netherlands' Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk in action with Finland's Nikolai Alho MARKKU ULANDER/Lehtikuva via REUTERS/File Photo HELSINKI (Reuters) -There was Dutch delight as the Netherlands made an efficient start to their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday by winning away in Finland. Both coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed satisfaction with the 2-0 win in Helsinki at the start of their Group G campaign, but felt the victory could have been more decisive. "I thought we started very well, quickly scored the opening goal," said Koeman of Memphis Depay's sixth minute effort. "That is what you always want, especially in these types of matches against a team that plays with a lot of people behind the ball. We did that well. "After about 30 or 35 minutes, I thought we were already a bit sloppy in possession. I also thought we no longer had real pressure on us. "We did not create many chances and that continued in the second half," added Koeman. "That may be logical, but you want to get even more out of a match like this. The result is fine, but I hope we play a better second half against Malta on Tuesday." The Dutch take on Malta at home in Groningen. Koeman had said last week that he felt his side were obliged to win the group given the quality of opposition. They also have Lithuania and Poland in their group. The team topping the standings qualify for next year's World Cup in North America while the runner-up goes into a playoff phase. "We've fallen a goal behind in many matches so it's great that we have now kept a clean sheet and took the three points," said Van Dijk. "The first hurdle is always difficult. Under these circumstances, almost two weeks after the end of the season, it is important that we have taken the three points," he added. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in London; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Dutch delight but coach and captain feel win over Finland could have been better
Dutch delight but coach and captain feel win over Finland could have been better HELSINKI - There was Dutch delight as the Netherlands made an efficient start to their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday by winning away in Finland. Both coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed satisfaction with the 2-0 win in Helsinki at the start of their Group G campaign, but felt the victory could have been more decisive. "I thought we started very well, quickly scored the opening goal," said Koeman of Memphis Depay's sixth minute effort. "That is what you always want, especially in these types of matches against a team that plays with a lot of people behind the ball. We did that well. "After about 30 or 35 minutes, I thought we were already a bit sloppy in possession. I also thought we no longer had real pressure on us. "We did not create many chances and that continued in the second half," added Koeman. "That may be logical, but you want to get even more out of a match like this. The result is fine, but I hope we play a better second half against Malta on Tuesday." The Dutch take on Malta at home in Groningen. Koeman had said last week that he felt his side were obliged to win the group given the quality of opposition. They also have Lithuania and Poland in their group. The team topping the standings qualify for next year's World Cup in North America while the runner-up goes into a playoff phase. "We've fallen a goal behind in many matches so it's great that we have now kept a clean sheet and took the three points," said Van Dijk. "The first hurdle is always difficult. Under these circumstances, almost two weeks after the end of the season, it is important that we have taken the three points," he added. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
World Cup Qualifiers: Netherlands ‘obligated' to top qualifying group, says Koeman
The Netherlands are obligated to win their World Cup qualifying group, coach Ronald Koeman said on Tuesday as they began preparation for their opening Group G clash against Finland in Helsinki on Saturday. It will be their first match in their bid to qualify for next year's finals in North America, followed by a second fixture on Tuesday when they host Malta in Groningen. The Dutch belatedly kick off their qualifiers because they played in the Nations League quarterfinal in March where they drew twice with Spain before being eliminated on penalties. 'Maybe it is easier to play football against Spain,' Koeman told a press conference. 'Because no one expects anything from us then. 'Finland and Malta are different types of opponents. We will have more of the ball, and they try to stop us. 'We are obligated to finish first in this group, but we do not underestimate anyone and we need to bring the energy that we have shown in our last few matches.' The group also includes Lithuania and Poland, who top the standings after two wins in March. The winners qualify for the World Cup while the runners-up advances to a playoff competition. 'We want to be good for all the matches and perform much more consistently,' Koeman said. 'We have shown that against one of the best countries in the world, which gives us confidence.' ALSO READ | England coach Tuchel expects players to suffer in World Cup heat One problem Koeman admitted, however, was the lack of a recognised centre forward. 'We don't have top strikers now. I don't know what is coming through the ranks with the 15-16-year-olds, but it is clear that at the moment we do not have the classic striker of the past. Players like (Patrick) Kluivert, (Klaas-Jan) Huntelaar, and (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy. You don't see players like them around anymore.' Koeman is not sure who would lead the line in the qualifiers over the next week. 'It will probably be Memphis (Depay) or Wout (Weghorst) at the top of the attack,' he said. 'But (Cody) Gakpo and (Donyell) Malen are all possibilities in that position.'
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Netherlands 'obligated' to top World Cup qualifying group, says Koeman
The Netherlands are obligated to win their World Cup qualifying group, coach Ronald Koeman said on Tuesday as they began preparation for their opening Group G clash against Finland in Helsinki on Saturday. It will be their first match in their bid to qualify for next year's finals in North America, followed by a second fixture on Tuesday when they host Malta in Groningen. The Dutch belatedly kick off their qualifiers because they played in the Nations League quarter-finals in March where they drew twice with Spain before being eliminated on penalties. "Maybe it is easier to play football against Spain," Koeman told a press conference. "Because no one expects anything from us then. "Finland and Malta are different types of opponents. We will have more of the ball, and they try to stop us. "We are obligated to finish first in this group, but we do not underestimate anyone and we need to bring the energy that we have shown in our last few matches." The group also includes Lithuania and Poland, who top the standings after two wins in March. The winners qualify for the World Cup while the runners-up advances to a playoff competition. "We want to be good for all the matches and perform much more consistently," Koeman said. "We have shown that against one of the best countries in the world, which gives us confidence." One problem Koeman admitted, however, was the lack of a recognised centre forward. "We don't have top strikers now. I don't know what is coming through the ranks with the 15-16-year-olds, but it is clear that at the moment we do not have the classic striker of the past. Players like (Patrick) Kluivert, (Klaas-Jan) Huntelaar, and (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy. You don't see players like them around anymore." Koeman is not sure who would lead the line in the qualifiers over the next week. "It will probably be Memphis (Depay) or Wout (Weghorst) at the top of the attack," he said. "But (Cody) Gakpo and (Donyell) Malen are all possibilities in that position." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
