Praise for Jonker’s ‘refreshing’ approach: ‘The Dutch school…I can’t hear it anymore’

The Dutch national coach played in an attacking 5-3-2 formation, in which star player Lieke Martens also materialized. She also said so herself in an interview afterwards.

Like Kuip, Waterreus finds it good that Jonker deviates from the 4-3-3, so sacred in the Netherlands. “We Dutch usually attach too much to a system, because we had success with it already in the 1970s. The Dutch school…I don’t hear it anymore. You have to look at the players you have and opponents.”

The former PSV keeper draws a comparison with the Dutch juniors (men), who were knocked out a week ago in the group stage of the European Under-21 Championship. Midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp then had to play as a winger. “So we play in 4-3-3, when we don’t have a right attacker. So you can say that you play in 4-3-3, but that’s no use to you.” Waterreus calls Jonker’s approach ‘refreshing’.

“The opening match must be won”

Kuip therefore also praises the national coach. However, she is not necessarily convinced that the Netherlands will perform well at the World Cup. “I see it as a disadvantage of not being able to grow in the tournament.” The journalist refers to the difficult group matches against Portugal and the United States.

Presenter Suse van Kleef looks at it from the positive side. She believes the Netherlands will continue if they win the opener against Portugal on July 23. “Yes, actually,” Kuip said hesitantly. “Because you can have Vietnam and then you can lose to the United States. That’s a good attitude.”

In the Sportforum there was also talk of the Tour de France and Wimbledon, among others.