World Cup
Van Hanegem: Oranje not favourites but Morocco won’t defend either
Columnist Willem van Hanegem does not consider the Netherlands favourites for Tuesday’s knockout tie against Morocco. “But they are not either,” he writes. “I hope Gakpo regains his form. Yesterday he didn’t get past a single man.”
Van Hanegem contrasts Oranje’s slow tempo in their last outing with the attacking intent he expects from Morocco. “They won’t defend like Sweden, Japan or Tunisia,” he notes. “They will attack, just like us. So you’ll see a different game on Tuesday than in the first three matches.”
He criticises Oranje’s lack of quick combinations after going 2-0 up against Japan. “You’d expect faster play to break down such a team,” he writes. “But so far we’ve just seen too little football over longer spells.” Van Hanegem singles out Brian Brobbey’s form as a potential asset if deployed, yet laments the absence of movement in Oranje’s attack.
Defensive organisation comes under scrutiny too. “Against Sweden we gave away huge spaces,” he says. “That could have cost us three goals instead of one.” He blames Nathan Aké for lingering in midfield, leaving the left side exposed on transitions, and questions Virgil van Dijk’s positioning at times.
Saibari’s threat as a false nine is highlighted. “He’s clever and fast,” Van Hanegem writes. “That’s why I’m glad Jeremie van der Ven starts on Tuesday. His speed was missed last night.” He also praises Achraf Hakimi’s influence but warns that Morocco’s right-back roams so far forward that spaces open elsewhere for Oranje to exploit.
Van Hanegem admits many of his Moroccan friends are “beside themselves” and believe their team can win. “I wouldn’t call us favourites,” he repeats. “But neither would I call them. Morocco will attack and we’ll get spaces and chances.” He suggests replacing Memphis Depay with Luuk de Jong and Remco Zirkzee with Xavi Simons if selection changes are needed.
The columnist ends on a logistical note. “The match kicks off at 3 a.m. local time,” he writes. “It’s a strange World Cup with all these night games. I looked outside to see if anyone else was still awake. There was no light anywhere. Strange that I’m still up myself. Often the games aren’t worth it. But Tuesday morning will be different. Everyone will stay up for that match.