Dutch tactical analysis: Ronald Koeman breaks down Japan's system
The Dutch team started the World Cup with a draw against Japan. Coach Ronald Koeman applied the strategy but could not win due to defensive changes.
The Dutch team started the World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Japan. Coach Ronald Koeman prepared carefully for the opening match, but missed the golden opportunity to win due to changing defensive tactics. When Crysencio Summerville was welcomed into the Dutch squad, a tactical sheet was prepared. On it, the battle plan was outlined with Summerville as the main character. With the blue pieces, the Dutch coaching staff envisioned Japan's three-man defense. With orange pieces, Koeman presented the countermeasures he first introduced before kick-off. 'When we don't have the ball, we have five defenders with Frenkie (de Jong, n.d.).' Koeman pointed out the transformation of the squad, which had been predicted before. 'In midfield you have two sixes (Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders) facing two Japanese sixes (Kaishu Sano and Daichi Kamada). The wingers must participate in defending from the inside, so that Japan cannot attack centrally on the strikers or number 10s.' The Dutch strategy changed defense to 5-4-1. The second tactical change that Koeman kept secret until then was a significant change in the positioning of the midfield.
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