Video: International media critical of Dutch cautious play after penalty loss to Morocco
International media focused heavily on the Netherlands’ elimination after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in Monterrey in Mexico, with widespread criticism of another Dutch exit on penalties and their cautious playing style. Across coverage, a consistent view emerged that Morocco controlled the initiative and created more chances, while the Oranje were largely reactive and focused on defending rather than attacking.
La Gazzetta dello Sport of Italy said the Dutch performance was “unconvincing and too focused on protecting a result instead of controlling the match.” It added that Morocco “was better in all phases of the game, created more chances, and clearly dominated.”
Germany's Sky Sport said the Netherlands used “a very cautious and reactive approach,” adding that they “never managed to create real chances.” It concluded they had “no answers to a well-organized Morocco.”
The Guardian from the United Kingdom said the shootout became “a strange and error-prone penalty shootout in which the Netherlands ultimately paid the price for a negative and cautious playing style.” It added that Morocco “deserved the victory against a team that was mainly focused on neutralizing the opponent instead of creating anything itself.”
Het Laatste Nieuws from Belgium wrote “another penalty trauma for the Netherlands.” Sporza of Belgium added, "Once again it goes wrong from the spot.”
L’Équipe from France said Morocco “claimed the most clear chances during the match and repeatedly put the Netherlands under pressure in the closing stages.” It added that the penalty shootout “once again exposed the weakness of the Netherlands in a tournament where details make the difference.”
Spanish AS called it “a historic and nerve-wracking penalty shootout” and said Morocco “proved once again it can compete with the absolute elite.” It added that Morocco is “increasingly seen not as a surprise but as a serious major power.”
Marca of Spain said the Netherlands used a defensive counterattacking plan, while Morocco showed “a much clearer and more ambitious attacking pattern.”
Before the match, over in Morocco, anticipation was strong. SNRT News in Morocco referred to the 1994 World Cup meeting, a 2-1 Dutch win, calling it “a chance to take revenge against the European football powerhouse.” It added, “We now have a completely different team than then.” Foot Mercato, an outlet based in France with a strong focus on Moroccan football, called it “the most anticipated match of this World Cup.” It also labeled it “the biggest confrontation” for Morocco.
Morocco Times Daily said, “This is not just a match, but a night where hearts will be split in two.”
Regarding the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, NOS correspondent Samira Jadir said, “In Moroccan media there is not really a discussion about who you support. Here it is assumed that people with dual nationality will of course support Morocco.” She added that diaspora support from the Netherlands was appreciated. She also noted fans chanting, “Holland, we are coming.”
