Netherlands set line‑up and strategy before World Cup opener against Japan

Coach Ronald Koeman used the friendly against Uzbekistan in New York to fine‑tune his intended World Cup XI. He kept the core back line of Bart Verbruggen, Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven, while the midfield of Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders stayed unchanged. Forwards Crysencio Summerville, Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo started, with Malen preferred over the still‑recovering Memphis Depay. Jurriën Timber missed out through injury and was not in the squad. The match ended 2‑1 after a chaotic finish – Gakpo converted both penalties, Verbruggen was forced off injured and replaced by Mark Flekken, and Guus Til received a straight red card. Koeman said a final decision on Depay’s start against Japan will be taken shortly.

The Netherlands' first World Cup group match versus Japan is scheduled for 14 June 22:00 CET at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and will be shown live on NPO 1. FIFA rules indicate that Til’s red‑card suspension does not automatically carry over to the tournament. Additionally, assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooij joined the staff a day later after a family event.

Media commentary highlighted both positive signs – especially Summerville’s impact – and lingering concerns about goal‑scoring and defensive cohesion ahead of the tournament.