After host Germany, three teams will get their ticket to the 2024 European Championship: France, Portugal and Belgium. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has to tremble again.
Despite the less than ideal starting position, the Dutch national football team still believes in direct qualification for the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
“If we want to go to the European Championships, we need a win. We will do everything to achieve that,” said captain Virgil van Dijk after the 1:2 (0:1) against France with a view to the important duel against Greece Monday. “Greece will smell blood in a home game,” warned national coach Ronald Koeman.
Oranje had already missed the 2016 European Championships and the 2018 World Cup. If they miss direct qualification via the group, the team should at least be assured of participation in the playoffs this time. The performances in the Nations League in the 2022/23 season are crucial for this. The team finished fourth there.
Van Dijk: “There was more to it”
The Netherlands are third in Group B behind the already qualified French, three points behind second-placed Greece, who won 2-0 against Ireland yesterday. “We didn’t win, but Greece won. That doesn’t make it any easier,” said Koeman. However, Oranje have played one game less. Van Dijk struggled with the missed chance against France. “There was more to it. We played against a top country with top players,” said the Liverpool FC defender.
In addition to France, Portugal and Belgium also secured their ticket to the 2024 European Championship in Germany with German coach Domenico Tedesco yesterday. “It’s wonderful for all of us and for all of Belgium,” said Tedesco after the 3-2 (1-0) win in Austria. The former Bundesliga coach also struggled with the two goals conceded after a 3-0 lead. “We are on the right track in many respects, but we can still improve.”
Source: Stern
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