Ronald Koeman Dismisses Criticism After Netherlands' Win Over Malta

Koeman shrugs off criticism after Netherlands' 4-0 win

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman defended his team's uninspiring 4-0 win over Malta, saying the result is all that matters in World Cup qualification.

“I don't think we should underestimate how difficult it is to play polished football through the middle...”

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman shrugged off criticism after his team's 4-0 win over Malta in World Cup qualification. Despite an unimpressive display, the Dutch side moved three points clear of Poland and Finland in Group G with three matches remaining.

TV pundits and newspapers criticized the team's uninspired performance, but Koeman defended his side, emphasizing that the result was all that mattered. He believes his team did enough to secure the win, even if it wasn't aesthetically pleasing.

Koeman's focus remains on securing a spot in the World Cup finals, and he appears unfazed by criticism. With three matches left, the Netherlands are in a strong position to qualify, and Koeman will likely continue to prioritize results over style.

“We won 0-4, so that's good. I didn't find it frustrating, but we could have done things better. I thought we started well, even though we gave away a chance to Malta in the opening minutes,” he said, referring to captain Virgil van Dijk's sloppy back pass.

“Jurrien Timber played very well in the build-up. He freed himself a few times towards midfield and then we were able to find our people there. After that, I thought, because they also started to put a lot of pressure, that we should have found solutions faster.

“Then the pace went down. But we gave maximum throttle until the end. There were a lot of good things, so I pay less attention to what you think,” he said after a critical question about the game.

“It is your right to look at it critically. I may think differently, right?” Koeman asked his television inquisitor.

Leader. Example. 🧡#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/yTzSDKy4YM

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 9, 2025

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was questioned about the team's uninspiring 4-0 win over Malta, a team ranked 166th in the world. Van Dijk was asked if he enjoyed the match, given that the Dutch had little to gain beyond accumulating points and potentially much to lose if they slipped up against a much lower-ranked opponent.

“It's part of playing international football and we have done our duty,” he responded.

“I don't think we should underestimate how difficult it is to play polished football through the middle. We tried, but we had to go around them. But we secured victory, that is the most important thing. We won, now on to the next one.”

A win in Malta! ✔️#NothingLikeOranje #MLTNED pic.twitter.com/9EvEPM6bA9

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 9, 2025

The Netherlands, with 13 points from five games, will face Finland, who have 10 points from six games, in their next match at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday. This crucial encounter could further solidify the Dutch position in Group G's standings.