Ronald Koeman defends controversial late substitutions as Netherlands draw 2-2 with Japan at World Cup

The Netherlands led Japan 2‑1 in the opening World Cup match in Dallas before coach Ronald Koeman made a series of late changes, bringing on Memphis Depay, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber for Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders. A further substitution saw Ryan Gravenberch replaced by Nathan Aké. Japan equalised in the 88th minute, leaving the game at 2‑2.

Dutch pundicts and former players slammed the switch‑on decisions. Journalist Valentijn Driessen called the moves “cowardly,” while Belgian analyst Filip Joos argued that Koeman should have used youngster Brian Brobbey instead of Depay. Former midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, former striker Wim Kieft and former defender Pierre van Hooijdonk also questioned the loss of pace after the substitutions. Koeman, however, insisted he had no regrets, saying the changes were meant to address a loss of pressure and that Japan’s late surge was independent of his tactics. He expressed satisfaction with the overall performance despite the missed chance to secure a win.