Jong the Oranje loses Daal and Goes, play‑off dream under pressure

While Jong the Oranje prepares for the crucial Euro qualification matches, the squad suddenly has to manage without two AZ players; the 22‑year‑old winger Ro‑Zangelo Daal and defender Wouter Goes have left the training camp, causing the KNVB to doubt their availability for the upcoming fixtures.

Daal and Goes leave training camp

Ro‑Zangelo Daal, 22, plays as a winger for AZ. He was on the bench in the home match against Norway, which ended in a 0‑0 draw, still on the sidelines. Due to mild complaints he has left the training camp and is returning early to Alkmaar.

Wouter Goes, also from AZ, left the camp last week. The defender is considered by the KNVB to be insufficiently match‑fit to play a role in this international period. His absence is now permanent.

Coach Michael Reiziger had already called up Jaden Slory as a precaution, because Daal's availability was uncertain. With Daal and Goes no longer available, Reiziger must reshape the squad.

Implications for the Euro qualification

Jong the Oranje now needs to achieve good results against Slovenia on Friday 2 October and Bosnia‑Herzegovina on Tuesday 6 October to reach the play‑offs. The absence of Daal and Goes limits the options in attack and defence.

The team also hopes that rival Israel suffers a setback, so that the Netherlands no longer has to secure the top spot. Without the two AZ players, securing the required points becomes a greater challenge.

In Group G Norway is already too far ahead of the Netherlands, meaning the Oranje prospects can no longer reach the top. The recent injury update heightens concerns within the squad.

The situation underscores the pressure on Reiziger to find alternatives and maintain the quality of the squad, while the coming weeks are crucial for qualification.