A titanic Round of 32 fixture awaits and it really doesn’t get much better than Netherlands vs. Morocco. This fixture has all the ingredients to be a classic.
The Moroccon side are now more than just a feel-good story, they’re a genuinely formidable knockout team who can absolutely shred you to pieces in transition if you get complacent. The Dutch know all about it and now have to balance breaking down a deep sitting block with leaving themselves susceptible.
Netherlands' predicted starting XI
Here’s what we expect to see from the Oranje tonight: 4-3-3 formation
- Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
- Defenders: Denzel Dumfries (RB), Jan Paul van Hecke (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Van de Ven (LB)
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (CM), Frenkie de Jong (CM), Tijjani Reijnders (CM)
- Forwards: Donyell Malen (RW), Brian Brobbey (ST), Cody Gakpo (LW)
The tempo-setter
For the Netherlands to navigate their way through to the Round of 16, it’s all about Frenkie de Jong. In games against opposition sitting in compact shapes and flying forward in transition like Morocco, pure possession simply won’t cut it. They have to be purposeful.
De Jong has to be the man to unlock the tight defense. He’ll look to get on the ball deep within the defense, bypass the first Moroccan press and drive the ball into more advanced areas with his unparalleled ability to carry the ball. Supporting him in midfield, both Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders will play a vital role in controlling the pace of the game without leaving excessive gaps behind.
- The backbone of defence: Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke have to be absolutely solid in their communications to deny the movement from the Moroccan attackers.
- An attacking outburst: Don’t be surprised to see Denzel Dumfries bombing forward early to exploit the space on the right.
Brobbey and Gakpo’s brilliance
Up top, Brian Brobbey has been immense this World Cup. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the game by drawing in the center backs will be key to this Dutch attack. He offers that physical presence needed against those robust defenders, and he’ll draw in players, freeing up the flanks.
In Cody Gakpo, the Dutch have a big-game player. We’ve seen what he’s capable of, and this feels like the moment he can impose himself on the tournament. Provided Donyell Malen occupies one of the central defenders on the right side, it’ll allow Gakpo to drift inside on to his preferred foot and test the goalkeeper.
Respect for Morocco
This Morocco side must be treated with respect and caution. Morocco are going to sit deep and dare the Dutch to break them down, and this will inevitably be a very tense, tactical battle. But will Dutch side have enough firepower to get the job done? Only time will tell.
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