Oranje according to Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman, former Barca-star/Ajax coach/Benfica coach and on his way to coach PSV, learned a lot about the soul of the Portuguese when working for Benfica. “They do like beautiful play, but the results are more important. They have great players, but their main concern is not conceding goals. Clubs are achieving a lot with that strategy, but the National Team hasn’t really been successful on WC’s.”
“I can see both teams growing more and more alike. Portugal wants to play more attractive, Holland wants the result to become more of a priority. I support that development. Just like us, Portugal plays 4-3-3. They are hard to beat due their central four, the central defenders and midfielders. Deco is the architect and Ronaldo and Figo the artists on the wings, exactly where our artists are.”

“It could be an even game. They are a bit stronger in defense; I think Oranje is stronger offensively. The difference will be made by the wingers.”
According to Koeman, patience will be the biggest weapon. “Portugal will invite Holland to dominate. They will want us to take the initiative. We do not want to be too hungry at the start of the game.” The former Oranje captain sees chances for Holland. “They keep improving. That’s important. They score, and do not give a lot away. And progressing creates confidence. And that helps in playing good. It’s just the chances that are created… Or better, not created. We do not create enough.”
The crucial first goal will give the trumps to that team. “That’s why I think we will win. I suppose we will score the first goal, because Portugal will be passive and will re-act to what we do.”
Koeman understands the doubt about Ruud van Nistelrooy. “It’s obvious that Ruud is not doing well. Although I do not understand that people doubt his effectiveness. He had one decent ball and converted that into a goal. A striker like Ruud is very dependend on the balls he gets. There haven’t been enough good balls from the wings or from midfield. But the role he needs to play is a difficult one for him. He loses the ball quickly and that stops midfield of supporting the strikers. And therefore, our midfield is late when the ball is for grabs and it looks as if the midfield is playing bad. Truth is, our strikers fail to involve the midfield in the right way. Partly due to egotistical play of Robben and van Persie and partly due to Ruud’s inability to hold on to the ball. Maybe it’ll work better with Kuyt, but I tell you this: if Ruud fails, it’s because the system fails and not because Ruud doesn’t know how to play anymore…”