"I don't regret my choices": Koeman defends Dutch changes after Japan snatch late draw in Group F opener
Arlington, June 15
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman stood by his tactical decisions and substitutions after Japan struck late to earn a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
The Dutch looked on course for all three points after captain Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville twice put their side ahead, while Keito Nakamura had earlier levelled for Japan. However, a deflected effort from Daichi Kamada two minutes from time rescued a point for the Blue Samurai.
Koeman came under scrutiny after making a triple substitution six minutes after Summerville restored the Netherlands' lead in the 64th minute. The Dutch manager later reinforced his defence by introducing a third centre-back, but Japan responded strongly and eventually found an equaliser after sustained pressure.
Despite the outcome, Koeman refused to second-guess his decisions.
"There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn't defend well," he told reporters after the match, according to Reuters.
"Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well. So we could have scored a third goal. So I don't regret my choices," he added.
Japan's late leveller came after a dangerous header was directed goalward before Kamada's effort took a decisive deflection on its way into the net, denying the Netherlands victory in a match they had expected to win.
Koeman also introduced the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay, from the bench in the second half after declaring him fit following a recent thigh problem. Depay replaced Donyell Malen but was unable to influence the result and picked up a yellow card.
The Dutch coach acknowledged that his side fell short of expectations and insisted there is room for improvement as the tournament progresses.
"Of course, we can perform better, and we need to grow during the tournament. This definitely was not our best performance. Of course, we would have preferred to win the first game. We expected to," he concluded.
Koeman also suggested Japan had not received enough respect heading into the contest, describing the Netherlands' display as being only at a "minimal standard" against a determined opponent.
The 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists will now turn their attention to a crucial Group F clash against Sweden in Houston, while Japan take confidence from a spirited comeback that earned them a valuable point in their tournament opener.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I'm thrilled to see Asian teams like Japan punch above their weight on the world stage! 🏆 The Blue Samurai's never-say-die attitude is inspiring. Koeman's triple substitution backfired badly - sometimes you need to stick with what's working. Van Dijk must be fuming!
Respect to Koeman for not blaming his players, but his tactical decisions were questionable. Netherlands has too much quality to be drawing against Japan in a World Cup opener. Having said that, Japan's resilience is something we Indians can learn from - chak de phatte! 🇳🇱🇯🇵
Watching from Bangalore, I think Koeman is being too defensive in his press conference. The Netherlands should be dominating games like this. Memphis coming on and getting a yellow instead of making an impact tells you everything. Japan played smart football - absorb pressure, hit on counter, and believe till the end. 💪
I'm not a football expert but even I could see Netherlands became too defensive after the triple change. Japan smelled blood and went for it! Kamada's goal was lucky but deserved. Koeman should admit his mistake instead of talking about 'minimal standards' - that sounds like an excuse. 🙄
As someone who grew up watching Netherlands play beautiful total football, this is painful to watch. Koeman's pragmatic approach worked in Euro 2024 but not here. Japan showed Asian football has come a long way - we need more Indian players to go play in Japan's J-League to improve our standards! 🇮🇳⚽
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