Koeman calls Algeria loss a wake-up call

The Netherlands national team lost 0-1 to Algeria at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Wednesday. Coach Ronald Koeman described the defeat as a wake‑up call ahead of the World Cup.

Koeman said the Dutch must win matches played at home and that the loss exposed a lack of aggression. He added that the team sometimes played too kindly.

In the first 25 minutes, the Netherlands created several chances through Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders. None of the opportunities resulted in a goal. Malen’s strike was ruled out for off‑side.

Koeman argued that four to five clear chances should produce at least one goal. He warned that failing to score forces the side to play more difficult football.

Malen hit the post once and missed twice from good positions. Koeman expected Malen, who scores regularly for AS Roma and the national team, to find the net.

Koeman urged his players not to panic but to fine‑tune details before the tournament. He called the defeat a necessary wake‑up call.