Oranje’s final preparations in Kansas City ahead of Morocco showdown

The Netherlands began their final preparations on Friday in Kansas City for Tuesday’s last-16 World Cup tie against Morocco, training with a full squad at 10:30 local time. At 23°C under cloudy skies, manager Ronald Koeman oversaw the session the morning after a 3-1 victory over Tunisia, with the entire selection available. Brian Brobbey and Denzel Dumfries completed extra running drills, while Quinten Timber trained separately on a side field after missing the Tunisia game with a concussion. Koeman used the session to speak with Memphis Depay, Oranje’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals, who is now adapting to a bench role at this tournament. Depay told reporters he has accepted his reduced minutes “for now,” as the Brazilian Corinthians forward adjusts to his new position.

Netherlands' full squad trains a day after World Cup win over Tunisia

Family and friends visited the training complex, including former international Mark van Bommel, who met with Koeman and technical director Nigel de Jong. Van Bommel, a 79-time capped player and 2010 World Cup runner-up, discussed Oranje’s progress with Koeman and de Jong, two decades after their midfield partnership in South Africa. He also joined Koeman in a separate conversation with Depay, reflecting on the squad’s evolving dynamics.

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The Netherlands will train twice more in Kansas City before traveling to Mexico: a closed session on Saturday and a final workout on Sunday. Their last-16 match against Morocco kicks off at 03:00 Dutch time on Tuesday in Monterrey, with the winner facing Canada or South Africa in the next round on 4 July in Houston. A quarter-final berth in Boston awaits the Oranje should they advance past Tuesday’s fixture.